When I brought this huge stalk of Brussel Sprouts into the kitchen there was an overall "wau"! Everyone always sees these little sprouts picked and cleaned, never really thinking about exactly how they grow in nature. Brussels sprouts were grown as early as the 1200s in what is now Belgium.
Plants grow from seeds in seed beds or greenhouses, and are transplanted to growing fields, then making their way to your local nursery where they are sold usually in six packs. They require about 90 days to mature so it's best to plant them in either spring or early fall, when temperature are not too hot or too cold. Brussels sprouts are related to cabbage, collard greens, broccoli, kale, and kohlrabi. They contain a good amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid and dietary fibre.
I found this wonderful video that explains how to grow this vegetable:
I will be posting recipes of dishes made with Brussel Sprouts to my Sur La Table Cuisine blog.
