🥬🥬Eat Brussels Sprouts Day🥬🥬

Today is Brussels Sprouts Day, and what a brilliant veg to have its own day. 
Today offers a reminder of how tasty these healthy veg can be. 

Brussels Sprouts are believed to originate in Brussels (Belgium) and records trace them back to between the 12th and 13th centuries, but the name wasn't given to them until the 18th century when the French started calling them Brussels sprouts. 

They became popular in Britain in the 19th century and since then they are a must-have when in season. 

In the 20th century, they became an established crop in the USA, particularly in California.  

Lovely, look good enough to eat !

They are related to broccoli, greens, kale, cabbage, and cauliflower to name a few. They provide calcium, potassium, fibre, and more in our diet. So all in all, a very healthy veg!

They are a great winter veg and can be eaten in so many ways. 
Here are a few:

• Roast Brussels Sprouts. Many people prefer to roast Brussels sprouts in the oven to keep their nutritional value – and make them taste great! To prepare, cut the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise through the stem and toss them in a drizzle of olive oil and pinches of salt and pepper. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes until golden brown.

• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. A healthy way to cook this veggie! Cut Brussels sprouts in half, and toss in oil, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook in the air fryer and then toss in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, honey, and mustard.

• Grilled Brussels Sprouts. Cover halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, vinegar, honey, and mustard. Thread onto metal skewers and place on the barbecue grill.

• Steamed Brussels Sprouts. Cut Brussels sprouts and steam them, then cover with garlic sauteed in butter.

We cook them with chestnuts or with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese to make crunchy sprouts (recipe available on request) or try some of the others below:

• Carbonara Pasta with Charred Brussels Sprouts. Pasta night can take a huge turn for the better when charred Brussels sprouts, salty pancetta, and sautéed shitake mushrooms are included.

• Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese. Take normal mac n’ cheese to a new level by adding delicious Brussels sprouts – making it tastier and healthier!

• Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts. This amazing crowd-pleaser is easier than it seems. Wrap Brussels sprouts in strips of bacon and brush with a glaze made of maple and brown sugar.

• Brussels Sprouts, Egg, and Bacon Breakfast. Bake Brussels sprouts together in a sweet balsamic vinegar mixture. Then bake further with eggs, parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes.

Apart from being delicious, they are very healthy to eat.
These are some of the benefits:

• High in nutritional value

  Brussels sprouts offer a number of different nutrients, including 2 grams of fibre, 91% of daily Vitamin K, 12% of daily Folate, 53% of daily Vitamin C, and 2 grams of protein.

• May help with blood sugar levels

  Many studies have noted that cruciferous vegetables may help keep blood sugar levels steady and decrease the risk of diabetes or pre-diabetes.

• Contain healthy Omega-3 fatty acids

  While the most popular way to get these healthy fatty acids is through fish and other seafoods, another great way to get them is from a few servings of Brussels sprouts each week.

• Reduce inflammation

  High in antioxidants, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables may reduce inflammation and also reduce the risk of diseases that are related to inflammation.

They are great to grow in the garden but you do need the right soil for them, and unfortunately, sandy soil isn't the right one. They need rich soil and full sun with steady and consistent moisture so a fair bit of watering required, but it would be worth the work to boil your water, go pick some off the plant and prepare and eat them fresh from the garden. And for those that have never seen them grow, this is how Brussels grow.

They can however be bought in most supermarkets and the small ones are the best, but please not frozen. Brussels need to be slightly undercooked, and crisp, frozen ones are soggy and tasteless. 

However you celebrate today and it is worth celebrating, eat some Brussels sprouts. 

So let's have some fun with Brussels sprouts!

Love them or hate them, let us know, and let’s post all things Brussels sprout related, and just remember

All are welcome.
And please feel free to share all discussions you enjoy.