Sprouts To Shout About

Brussels sprouts have been in season since October, but it’s at Christmas that this quintessential festive veg gets top billing. Love ’em or hate ’em, we’ve picked and prepped all you need to know, including how best to serve them on the big day.

These little green wonders are packed with goodness. As well as vitamin A, iron, folic acid and fibre, an 80g serving has more than 4 times the vit C of an orange. Who knew? There are over 110 varieties of sprout and us Brits eat more than anyone else in Europe.

Choose bright green sprouts with white bases (still on the stalk if possible) for the freshest flavour. Anything yellowing is getting old. And to avoid that rotten egg aroma, be sure not to overcook them.

Whether you love or hate sprouts could be down to your genes. Only those with a mutation of a certain gene won’t taste the chemical that gives sprouts that bitter flavour. So if you don’t want them on your plate, blame your genes – it might just work!

Whether you love or hate sprouts could be down to your genes. Only those with a mutation of a certain gene won’t taste the chemical that gives sprouts that bitter flavour. So if you don’t want them on your plate, blame your genes – it might just work!

Want to know the secret to really simple and utterly delish sprouts? It involves honey, seasoning and the ActiFry and we’re gonna let you in on it.

If, like us, you believe that cheese makes just about everything taste that bit better then these parmesan loaded lovelies are the sprouts for you.

Oh my – Brussels sprouts in blankets are sure to be making an appearance at our Christmas lunch this year. Alongside the obligatory pigs of course.

And how about this for the ultimate love/hate scenario: charred Brussels sprouts with Marmite butter. Dare you do it?

Looking for ways to use up leftover sprouts after the big day? These recipes will have you buying extra just to make them – they’re that good! We’ll start with sausage and sprout carbonara ‘cause just saying it out loud makes our tummies rumble.

This recipe for deep fried sprouts with goats cheese and chilli is the perfect excuse to whip out the fryer and try something completely different.

Talking of different, this recipe for parsnip, sprout and chestnut hotpot with cider uses sprout tops to make a pesto topping. Or spice it up with a sticky beef and sprout stir fry.

With all these tempting sprout recipes to try out, it’s a good job they’re in season till March!