My Favorite Vegetable...Brussels Sprouts

Yes, this miniature cabbage that makes every child cringe happens to be my favorite vegetable.  Every thanksgiving I am responsible for cooking brussels sprout. The secret is to roast them at 400 deg. in a little bit of olive oil. Throwing in some bacon never hurts either.

Here is a list of things you may not have known about brussels sprouts.

1. Who knew that there was an 's' at the end of 'brussels' sprout? I sure didn't.

2. Brussels sprouts were made famous by Belgians. Yes, 'Brussels' is a reference to the Belgian capital. Brussels sprouts were first cultivated by the roman empire but were made famous by belgium's affinity of the vegetable.

2. People hate brussels sprouts. Ok, you may have already known this, but did you know that a 2008 poll solidified brussels sprouts as the most hated vegetable in the US and the UK? That's a lot of hate.

3. Brussels sprouts contain a sulfur-rich compound which lends to their distinctive, sometimes unpleasant, smell. This same compound gives brussels sprouts cancer fighting qualities. It's a win/lose.

4. Brussels sprouts are very good for you. I won't list all the fancy chemical names, but brussels sprouts are chock-full of things that make your body happy.

5. They can also kill you. Brussels sprouts are a great source of Vitamin K. In high doses, vitamin K can cause blood clots. So enjoy your brussels sprouts responsibly.



6. Brussels sprouts grow on long tough stalks.

7. These bad boys are resilient. It's 19 degrees outside and the brussels sprouts are still kickin'.

 Source: http://www.foodrepublic.com/2013/02/19/11-things-you-probably-did-not-know-about-brussels