Ah, Brussels sprouts. The little round veg that’s as much a part of Christmas dinner in the UK as crackers, mince pies, and falling asleep on the sofa after too much pudding. Some people love them, others would rather sneak them onto someone else’s plate - but one thing’s for sure: sprouts always get people talking!
At The Crop Club HQ, we love Brussels Sprouts and not just the green ones! Served steamed, roasted, or jazzed up with onion, apricot or cranberries, Brussels sprouts are a festive tradition. But why are they so polarising? Let’s get to the root of it pun absolutely intended).
Why Some People Love Brussels Sprouts
For the sprout superfans, it’s all about the flavour. When cooked properly (read: NOT boiled to oblivion), sprouts have a lovely nutty, slightly sweet taste that works beautifully with other Christmas classics. Roast them with olive oil, salt, rosemary and garlic, and suddenly they’re the star of the show. Bonus? They’re packed with nutrients like vitamin C and fibre—because even Christmas dinner can use a healthy touch! Or if you grow our purple Brussels Sprouts, you get even more nutrients. Purple sprouts up the ante, boasting anthocyanins, the same antioxidant compounds found in blueberries. These not only give them their striking colour but may also provide anti-inflammatory benefits. And their flavour? Slightly sweeter and nuttier than the traditional green variety.
… And Why Others Can’t Stand Them
But for the sprout sceptics? The problem lies in their bitterness. Brussels sprouts contain natural sulphur compounds called glucosinolates (sciencey, we know), which can taste pretty harsh to some people. And get this: there’s actually a genetic reason why! Some of us are just more sensitive to bitter flavours.
Then there’s the cooking issue. Let’s face it, sprouts have gotten a bad rep because, for years, they were served boiled and mushy, releasing that infamous sulphur smell. No one’s signing up for that.
Make Brussels Sprouts a Festive DIY Adventure
Still on the fence about Brussels sprouts? Or maybe you’re a diehard sprout enthusiast looking to take things to the next level. Either way, why not grow your own for next Christmas? Yep, you can have fresh, homegrown purple sprouts for your dinner thanks to The Crop Club’s Brussels Sprouts Growing Kit. It also makes a perfect Christmas Gift thanks to its Christmassy branding.
This kit has everything you need to grow your own mini sprout patch, whether you’re a gardening newbie or already have a green thumb. Imagine serving up sprouts that you’ve grown yourself—fresh, flavourful, and way more impressive than anything from the supermarket.
In the it you can grow a heritage variety of Brussels sprout called Red Bull which is celebrated for its deep purple hue and robust flavour, offering a sweeter and nuttier alternative to traditional green sprouts. This unique variety is not only visually striking but also rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, making it a nutritious and attractive addition to any plate.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s Eco-Friendly: Reduce your food miles and grow your veg sustainably.
It’s Fun: Watching your sprouts grow is oddly satisfying (and way less stressful than trying to cook the perfect turkey).
It’s Delicious: Homegrown Brussels sprouts taste fresher and sweeter, so even sprout haters might be tempted to give them a second chance!
It’s the Perfect Gift: Know someone who loves gardening or experimenting with food? This kit makes a unique and thoughtful present.
Full colour instructions will guide you from sowing the seeds in pots to planting your plants outside.
Ready to Sprout Some Joy?
Whether you love them, hate them, or just want to give your Christmas dinner a personal touch, growing your own Brussels sprouts is a fun and festive way to celebrate. Grab your Brussels Sprouts Growing Kit from The Crop Club and start your sprout journey today. Who knows? You might just turn a few sprout sceptics into fans this year!