With Gemmifera as its cultivar group, Brussels sprout of Brassicaceae family bears a close resemblance to wild cabbage. They are nominally 1.6 cms in diameter and are the miniature representatives of the regular cabbages used for consumption. The first production of Brussels sprouts took place in ancient Rome, which began in the 13 th century, after which it spread to other parts of Europe and then the United States. Cabbage and Brussels sprouts belongs to the same cruciferous family as collard greens, broccoli, kale and kohlrabi.

Nutritional Analysis :

Brussels Sprouts are rich in quantities of Vitamin A, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Niacin, Panthothenic acid, Folate, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. They are also rich in the minerals potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, sodium, calcium, iron and zinc. They are also known to contain sinigrin which has been shown to help control colon cancer.

Health Benefits :

The phytonutrients found in Brussels Sprouts have been shown in research to initiate the production of enzymes in the body which help to cleanse the body of its toxins. Hence it helps in the process of detoxification, thereby aiding in the elimination of harmful compounds from the body. The organic varieties are also known to combat extreme illnesses like prostrate, colorectal and lung cancer. The Vitamin C which is present in it helps in producing the protein called collagen which forms the underlying structure of all the connective tissues, tendons, skin and cartilage. Folic acid helps fight congenital birth defects from forming in infants. In addition, Brussels sprouts have been found to act against inflammatory polyarthritis, involving more than two joints.

Preparations :

Brnussels sprouts can be boiled, streamed, roasted, canned or dried in the form of powder for long term use.

References :

"Brussel sprouts info" . Pfyffer Associates. Retrieved 2007-09-21 .

"Brussel Sprouts" . University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Retrieved 2007-09-21 .

Crocket, James: Crockett's Victory Garden , page 187. Little, Brown and Company, 1977.