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.
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!
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.
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 °F (149 °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.
Why not add them to all of your meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner! It’s a great time to experiment.
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.
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 ❤️ EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS Day.
First Shōgun 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.”
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.”
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.”
Year | Date | Day of the Week |
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2023 | January 31 | Tuesday |
2024 | January 31 | Wednesday |
2025 | January 31 | Friday |
2026 | January 31 | Saturday |
2027 | January 31 | Sunday |
2028 | January 31 | Monday |
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 – which is IMPORTANT!
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.
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!”
Brussels sprouts 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.
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.
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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