Let’s Chat: A misunderstood vegetable I am very thankful for

By Linda Tooth on October 9, 2024.

As we prepare for the Thanksgiving Day long weekend I have been reflecting on what I must be thankful for.

First, my partner’s health is improving every day. Second, I have a roof over my head and food in the fridge. Third, I am employed and can pay my bills. I might have fewer bills if I would quit shopping, but I will save that for another column.

Fourth, we live in a country that may not be perfect for some, but I am proud to say I am Canadian. Fifth is the season of fall, also known as ‘sweater weather.’ Ladies, you cannot go wrong with a good sweater.

The list could go on forever, but as I am limited to a word count I want to narrow in on one thing I am extremely thankful for. And that is the Brussels sprout.

I am sure some of you are thinking, ‘What is she talking about?’ Let me tell you.

I love Brussels sprouts. We are now into Sunday roast season at my house and that means I am guaranteed to have Brussels sprouts every week. Some would look forward to the beef, pork, or ham roast with roast potatoes, or mashed potatoes and gravy.

Not me, I look forward to the Brussels sprouts.

Where did these ‘little green balls of happiness’ come from? According to the Royal Horticultural Society in the U.K., the Brussels sprouts we know were first grown in 13th-century Flanders, which is part of modern-day Belgium.

Fun fact, the British eat more Brussels sprouts than any other nation in Europe. In case you were wondering, the Brussels sprout industry in the U.K. is worth 650 million British pounds, which equates to C$1,156,964,250. That is incredible.

How do you cook your Brussels sprouts? My preference is to steam them and then add butter to them. Do not over steam them or they will be mush.

I have also had them pan-fried with garlic and butter. You can also pan-fry them and add bacon to them. Some people may add a cross to the bottom of the Brussels sprout before cooking them.

I do not do that. I wondered why people do that and, in Medieval times the rumour was that evil spirits and demons lived within the leaves of the Brussels sprout and from that, they would enter the person who ate them.

By placing a cross at the bottom of the sprout it was said to drive those evil spirits and demons away.

If you are not a fan or have never had a Brussels sprout, why not try it this weekend? You might be pleasantly surprised.