Title :

Brussel Sprouts

Category: Garden Vegetable Plants

Facts about Brussel Sprouts. Brussel Sprouts are a treat for the Mouth and the Body. Although brussel sprouts have an undermined history and a reputation for poor taste, when grown, harvested, and cooked correctly, they can be delicious. The Brussel Sprouts have many health benefits and are part of a healthy diet.
The origins of the brussel sprout are unknown, but first show up in cook books and literature mostly in Europe. In fact, they likely got their name from the city of Brussels. The brussel sprout is a member of the Brassica family, along with cabbage, broccoli, kale, horseradish, and similar vegetables.
Brussel sprouts grow best when the average temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 cel). Most sources suggest planting Brussel sprouts in mid-summer to have them ready to harvest in the fall. In fact, brussel sprouts have a better flavor if they are grown and harvested in cooler weather. Plants mature and can begin to be harvested after the Brussel Sproutss are 1 to 2 inches (2 to 5 cm) in diameter and are firm and green. Watch out for the many pests and diseases that can attack your brussel sprouts. They are susceptible to aphids, flea beetles, and white mold, just to name a few.

Brussel sprouts are high in many nutrients, especially vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C. Just four brussel sprouts will give you 120% of your daily recommended vitamin C. The Brussel sprout are also good sources of iron and vitamin B6 and provide plenty of fiber. Brussel sprouts are said to potentially help fight cancer and may even have some effect on cancer prevention. Steamed brussel sprouts can aid in lowering your cholesterol, even more than when served raw, due to certain compounds being released during the steaming process. The vitamin K in the brussel sprouts may also help with neural functions that keep Alzheimer’s at bay.
There are many ways to cook this wonderfully healthy and low-glycemic vegetable. Common methods of cooking include boiling, steaming, stir fry, barbeque, pan fried in slices, and roasting and they can also be eaten raw. Roasted and salted sprouts are popular in parts of Europe.
In short, brussel sprouts are part of a healthy diet and deserve to be tried in every variety of cooking method. You would be doing your body a disservice not to try this super healthy food and make it part of your diet. With the benefits of cancer fighting, high levels of potassium and vitamin C, and plenty of fiber, this is a veggie that should not be missed!