From Bitter to Better: How to Love Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprout with vegan bacon, Lazy Cat Kitchen
Brussels sprouts are lovely, but some people don’t like them, usually because they have memories of sulphur-smelling overcooked mushy ones at school! Here are some tips to change your mind!
Brussels sprouts are very high in vitamin K, so check medication before eating.
Read up on food safety for people and pets (many foods are unsafe near animal friends). Before recycling tins, rinse/remove lids (or pop ring-pulls over holes) then ‘pinch’ inner rims together, to stop wildlife getting trapped.
Although it’s good to compost food scraps, unless you have a food waste bin (turned into biogas), just bin allium scraps (onion, leeks, garlic, shallot, chives), citrus/tomato/rhubarb scraps and tea/coffee grounds. To avoid too much acid/caffeine affecting compost creatures.
Reasons to love Brussels sprouts
- Cancer-fighting compounds – Brussels sprouts are packed with glucosinolates, sulphur-containing compounds that help protect cells from DNA damage and reduce inflammation
- Massive vitamin C boost – A single cup has over 100% of your daily requirement, for strong immunity, healthy skin and iron absorption.
- Excellent bone health. Loaded with vitamin K, they play a critical role in bone coagulation, increasing bone density and reducing fracture risks.
- High in fibre – good for healthy digstion and to regulate blood sugar levels, and keep you full.
Tips to cook better Brussels sprouts
Turn up the heat. Roast at high temperatures, to caramelise natural sugars, and avoid a mushy texture.
If boiling:
- Salt the water, to season teh core and keep the vibrant green colour.
- For larger sprouts, cut a shallow ‘x’ in the base to help heat penetrate the dense stem.
- Boil for 5 to 7 minutes, until a fork easily pierces the stem.
- Immediately plunge drained sprouts into ice water to stop cooking and preserve their crisp bite.
- Toss in a little vegan butter with no palm oil for extra flavour.
- Season with sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper or garlic powder.
