Coastin Carl
π₯ EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS Day ORIGIN & HISTORY
EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS Day is celebrated on January 31st. Brussels sprouts originated in a small town near Brussels in Belgium. It’s a relative of the plant species Brassica oleracea which is wild cabbage or mustard plant. The Brussels sprout origin dates back thousands of years ago during ancient times in the Mediterranean when people ate sprouted cabbage.
The Brussels sprout of today is a Belgian cabbage that’s approximately one inch in diameter.
The cultivation of Brussels sprouts took place during medieval times in the 13th century. These miniature cabbages were initially grown as a staple crop in Belgium and later spread to other European countries. People in Europe popularized this cruciferous veggie during the 14th and 16th centuries.
The modern Brussels sprout, as we know it today, is the result of migration and farming practices. This included centuries of selective breeding and cultivation to improve its taste, texture, and nutritional value.
Mankind also cultivated Brassica oleracea into many more varieties including kale, broccoli, cauliflower, gai lan, collards, and kohlrabi. People all over the world know about Brussels sprouts. But in the 17th century, French settlers brought them to Louisiana. People ate them for their nutrition and not exactly for their odorous sulfur compounds called glucosinolates.
Over the years, the Brussels sprout has evolved from being a traditional holiday side dish to a versatile vegetable enjoyed year-round through diverse kitchen preparations. Despite their sometimes polarizing reputation, Brussels sprouts need a day where they can be appreciated.
Many people are turned off by the bitterness and foul smell, but these little veggies are very good when cooked properly which makes them quite delicious! And they will continue to be appreciated for their unique flavor, nutritional benefits, and culinary versatility.
π±Β HOW to Celebrate & Observe EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS Day?
Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Here are some activities that you can do on EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS Day!
π SNEAK in some veggies
Teach children at a young age to appreciate vegetables. Make some kid-friendly Brussels sprout recipes. A cake made with healthy ingredients might be one way to get nutrients into your youngsters’ diet. Clean & Delicious has some nutritious savory and sweet recipes available that are worth trying.
π ROAST them, Mash them, Stick ’em in a stew
Learn how to prepare Brussels sprouts to be enjoyable to your palate. Roast and enjoy them as a snack. Roasting Brussels sprouts can be prepared using the Maillard reaction, of course. Browning these veggies past 300 Β°F (149 Β°C) causes a chemical reaction between the amino acids and sugars in the sprouts. The once bad odor is now pleasant with a nice smell and caramel-like taste.
- To Prepare: Cut them in half at room temperature, toss in a little melted coconut oil, and add a dash of salt. Roast for 18 minutes in a 400 Β°F (204 Β°C) oven. Finish with a healthy balsamic demi-glace or fresh lemon juice.
π Go GREEN
Why not add them to all of your meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! It’s a great time to experiment.
π Fancy yourself a FARMER
Plan on growing some Brussels sprouts this year. They grow quite easily and require little room to grow. The trick is to start early as they cultivate slowly. Start four weeks before the last frost indoors. Then plant in the spring outdoors and they’ll produce a crop for the Fall. Brussels sprouts grow on a single stem in a row and each bud is about an inch long.
- TRUSTED VARIETY - Popular brussels sprouts seeds used by gardeners for years. Little vegetables that look like mini cabbages grow up a long stalk.
- PROLIFIC - Brussel sprout plants produce many of these little mini-looking cabbages along its stalk.
- DELICIOUS - Brussel sprouts are very flavorful. Add it to stir fry, roast in the oven, or stir fry.
π RAISE Social Awareness
Use social media posts with the hashtags #EatBrusselsSproutsDay, #EatBrusselSproutsDay, #BrusselSproutsDay, #Sprouts, #HeartHealthy, #FoodHolidays, #JanuaryHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you β€οΈ EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS Day.
LEARN more about the benefits of trying BRUSSELS SPROUTS
DO THE BRUSSELS SPROUT BOOGIE!
HOW DO BRUSSELS SPROUTS TASTE TO KIDS?
HOW DO BRUSSELS SPROUTS GROW?
ROASTING BRUSSELS SPROUTS 6 WAYS
TEN Fun Facts you never knew about EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS Day
- Brussels sprouts are related to the cabbage cruciferous Brassica family (cabbage, broccoli, and kale); that’s why people think they resemble mini cabbages due to their similar appearance and taste.
- Brussels sprouts are believed to have originated in ancient Rome and first appeared in northern Europe during the 5th century with evidence of cultivation dating back to the 13th century in Belgium.
- What many don’t like about Brussels sprouts are the glucosinolates; these are sulfur-containing compounds that have also been linked to preventing the formation of cancer cells. If you overcook them, you’ll smell the sulfur. Pee-ew!
- Not only are there 26 calories per cup but it’s also jam-packed with fiber, antioxidants, and minerals. They’re rich in vitamins C and K. And it’s the only vegetable with Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Brussels sprouts thrive in cooler temperatures, which is why they’re typically harvested in the fall and winter months.
- There are many cruciferous veggies but this one helps the male body keep healthy levels of testosterone while also blocking the formation of estrogen that comes from an aging body. Eat up, Men!
- While boiling used to be a common cooking practice for Brussels sprouts (yuck!), roasting is now the preferred cooking method for bringing out their natural sweetness and enhancing their flavor.
- Brussels sprouts can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, including roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze, Brussels sprouts au-gratin, Brussels sprout salad, and even Brussels sprouts pizza!
- The largest Brussels sprout variety is about the size of a golf ball while the smallest is a marble.
- California and New York are the predominant states in the USA that grow Brussels sprouts.
Famous PEOPLE also born on January 31st
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Tokugawa Ieyasu
First ShΕgun of Japan & one of the most important figures in Japanese history who helped unite the country. He was famous for his patience but was deeply wary of foreigners, thinking their motives to be that of exploitation. Born 1543.
TOKUGAWA IEYASU Quotes
“Life is like unto a long journey with a heavy burden.”
“Let thy step be slow and steady, that thou stumble not.”
“The strong manly ones in life are those who understand the meaning of the word patience.”
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Jackie Robinson
First black person to play Major League Baseball since the 1880s. Not only was he good at baseball, but he played football, basketball, track, and long jump too. His middle name “Roosevelt” was to honor President Teddy Roosevelt. Jackie’s brother raced with Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympic Games. Born 1919.
JACKIE ROBINSON Quotes
“Life is not a spectator sport. If you’re going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you’re wasting your life.”
“I don’t like needing anyone for anything.”
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Justin Timberlake
American singer, songwriter, producer, and actor best known for being in the Mickey Mouse Club and the group ‘NSYNC. The Tennessee boy is one of the most successful musical artists in the world. Born 1981.
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE Quotes
“The most boring thing in the world? Silence.”
“You’re not meant to do what’s easy, you’re meant to challenge yourself.”
Future DATES for EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS Day
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 31 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | January 31 | Wednesday |
| 2025 | January 31 | Friday |
| 2026 | January 31 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 31 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 31 | Monday |
π₯¬Β Brussels sprout FAQ
WHEN is EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS Day?
- EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS Day is an annual celebration held on January 31st each year.
How do you STORE Brussels sprouts? Do they go BAD quickly?
- Proper storage is important or Brussels sprouts can go bad. At room temperature, they will last about four days. In the refrigerator, they can last up to two weeks, and in the freezer, they can be stored for up to a year. Things to look for are color, smell, and texture. If they smell bad or feel slimy, toss immediately. They’re no longer edible if rotten or have mold. If they appear brown on the outer leaves and pale greenish at the base then simply remove the brown spots. Past that, don’t eat them.
How do you COOK Brussels sprouts?
- Roasting is a popular way to cook Brussels sprouts, as it brings out their nutty flavor and creates a crispy exterior. Boiling is a simple and fast way to cook Brussels sprouts, but it can also cause them to become mushy if overcooked. Steaming is another healthy and easy way to cook them. SautΓ©ing is quick and delicious. Grilling Brussels sprouts is a unique way to add a smoky flavor.
Why we LπVE EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS Day
We LOVE incorporating vegetables like Brussels sprouts into our diet which can be beneficial for managing chronic diseases. Making them part of a balanced diet can also help you maintain a healthy BMI β which is IMPORTANT!
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FIGHT off Cancer
Brussels sprouts are rich in phytonutrients, making them a nutritious dark green leafy vegetable. Consuming foods like Brussels sprouts can have a positive impact on your body’s health and well-being. These nutrients are found to help in preventing certain illnesses like osteoporosis or cancer.
It’s because of similarities to other cruciferous vegetables containing indole-3-carbinol, a very important anti-cancer compound that’s known to stimulate detoxifying enzymes in the gut and liver. It’s formed when these vegetables are cut, chewed, or cooked.
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STRONG to the Finish
The mighty Brussels sprout has been researched by Italian scientists. Glucosinolates are sulfur-containing compounds that help stem cells develop naturally to pump muscles up and develop growth. They also help repair muscle tissue, particularly after hard exercise. Muscle tissue is found throughout your body and isn’t just for aesthetic muscle mass.
POPEYE said Bye-Bye to Spinach
and Hello to BRUSSELS SPROUTS!“He’s strong to the finish ‘Cause he eats his Brussels. He’s Popeye the Sailor w/muscles!”
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STAY Regular
Brussels sproutsΒ are a good source of soluble fiber, which is particularly important for those following a low-carb diet and struggling to get enough fiber into their meals. Soluble fiber found in Brussels sprouts helps with a healthy gut, good flora, and staying regular.
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RICH in Antioxidants
Sprouts are rich in so many nutrients which is one reason you should eat them. They have Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin K, copper, vitamin B1, potassium, vitamin C, phosphorus, manganese, iron, vitamin B6, and choline as well as being a great source of DIM compound (diindolylmethane) which comes from the digestion of indole-3-carbinol.
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They PAIR Well
EatingWell magazine has thousands of recipes including ones with Brussels sprouts. Not sure how to cook ’em up? Here are two ideas: Maple-Roasted Chicken with Sweet Potato & sprouts or One-Pot Mac & Cheese with Cauliflower/Brussels is definitely worth trying especially if you have kids to feed.
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