Brussels sprouts named as UK’s popular Christmas veg - if you don’t include potatoes (2024)

FAQs

Why are Brussels sprouts popular at Christmas? ›

We know that sprouts thrive and grow during the winter period and that they became popular in Britain towards the end of the 18th century, which is around the same time that the concept of Christmas Day – as we know it – was ignited.

Like other cruciferous veggies, Brussels sprouts have a type of carbohydrate that your body can't easily break down. This can cause you to have belly pain, gas, and either diarrhea or constipation.

Christmas Day

Guzzle 6 glasses of wine or fizz per person, totalling 390,600,000 across the UK. Scoff 6 sprouts, equating to 390,600,000 Brussels sprouts eaten across the nation. Munch on an average of 5 mince pies each, totalling 325,500,000 nationwide.

THEY are the UK's answer to marmite, the dreaded, or much loved, Brussels sprout! Britain eats more Brussels sprouts than any other nation in the world, and they have become a staple in one of the most famous English dishes, the roast dinner!

These days, steamed, sautéed and stir-fried sprouts have helped drive the popularity of the vegetable, convincing sprout sceptics that they can be rather delicious. They're also highly adaptable. From salads and skewers to curries and pizzas, Brussels sprouts can lend themselves to most recipes.

If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it's a sign of early spoilage. If you remove the blemished leaves and the interior looks OK, you can still use the sprout. However, if the interior leaves are also showing blemishes or yellowing, it's best to toss it (or compost it, if you can).

In addition to having a bitter flavor, raw Brussels sprouts may increase gas in some people. They contain an indigestible fiber called raffinose, which can be tough on the stomach.

A ½ cup of Brussels sprouts is a good source of Vitamin K (137% RDI) and Vitamin C (81% RDI) Kids, Ages 5-12 Teens and Adults, Ages 13 and up Males 2½-5 cups per day 42 - 6½ cups per day Females 2½-5 cups per day 3½-5 cups per day *If you are active, eat the higher number of cups per day.

While broccoli may have a higher count of calories, fat, and carbs, it is richer in calcium, iron, and pantothenic acid (a B vitamin that does wonders for healthy hair), and has a bit more potassium. Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, are lower in sodium.

Containing more vitamin C than an orange and with just eighty calories in a half pound, Britons eat more of them than any other European country, around 40,000 tonnes a year — and yes, we do eat them all year round. Two-thirds of Brussels sprout consumption in the UK is outside of the festive season.

Are brussel sprouts a super food? ›

Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious addition to your diet. They may also come with added health benefits, including decreased inflammation and improved immune system health.

Brussels sprouts are not a usual "Christmas" food for most Americans, although by chance I had them last year just because I had grown some in my vegetable garden, and they were still some out there in pickable condition on Christmas (and I can tell anyone who has never grown brussels sprouts that if you enjoy them, ...

It is unclear when Brussels sprouts were introduced to the United States, but French settlers in Louisiana are known to have grown them. The first commercial plantings began in the Louisiana delta in 1925, and much of these plantings would move to the Californian Central Coast by 1939.

How Did Brussels Sprouts Get Their Name? Brussels sprouts are named after the capital city of Belgium — they were cultivated in the country in the 16th century. Knowing this fact can help you remember that it's Brussels sprouts, not Brussel sprouts, and it's Brussels sprout even if you're only referring to one sprout.

Some are tougher than others, but if you peel the stem you should find a more palatable pith. Eat it raw or cooked lightly or as an addition to soups. The top three importers of brussels sprouts are the USA, Canada and Germany, followed by the UK, Netherlands and France.

It seems to be a simple case of timing. The sprout thrives and grows well over the winter period, and came to British shores towards the end of the 18th century, just as the concept of Christmas feasting was igniting.

The main course is often game, goose, duck, turkey, or roast lamb accompanied with a variety of vegetables and a potato dish. The Billiau Christmas dinner featured many ingredients that are common in Belgian cuisine.

The Brussels Christmas Market is a real-life Winter Wonderland. Held annually in the Place Saint Catherine, this charming market offers a glimpse into Christmas Past with over 200 traditional wooden chalets filled with local treasures and gifts that are perfect for the holidays.