(WYTV) – When you were growing up, did you try to avoid Brussels sprouts at dinner? Maybe they tasted gross to you, and they did to many.
But things are different at the table today.
It’s not that you’ve grown up with more sophisticated tastes; it’s the Brussels sprouts that have changed.
Scientists in the Netherlands tinkered with them, making the sprouts bitter no longer.
National Public Radio reports that the sprouts began to change in the 1990s.
A Dutch scientist named Hans van Doorn, who worked at a seed and chemical company, figured out exactly which chemical compounds in Brussels sprouts made them bitter. The next step was to plant sprouts with the least amount of these chemicals and eventually cross-pollinate the chemicals out.
The old varieties began to disappear, keeping the best-tasting sprouts.
It took years, but it worked.
Then, word spread to professional chefs around the world, and the new sprouts took off, more in the United States than in Europe.
Once word got out about everyone’s least favorite vegetable from childhood tasting a bit different, the big-name chefs at the five-star restaurants began cooking them again.
People had no idea that their “new” Brussels sprouts lacked the bitterness chemicals; they had been pollinated out of them.
FAQs
A Dutch scientist named Hans van Doorn, who worked at a seed and chemical company, figured out exactly which chemical compounds in Brussels sprouts made them bitter. The next step was to plant sprouts with the least amount of these chemicals and eventually cross-pollinate the chemicals out.
Have brussel sprouts changed to taste better? ›
About 30 years ago, a Dutch scientist identified the chemicals that made brussels sprouts bitter. He selected seed varieties with lower levels of the bitter chemicals and bred new high-yielding varieties that tasted less bitter.
How did they make Brussels sprouts taste good? ›
In the late 1990s scientists identified specific chemicals, called glucosinolates, that made Brussels sprouts taste bitter. Plant breeders started growing old seeds, previously discarded for producing paltry harvests, to identify tastier versions with lower levels of these compounds.
Why do my Brussels sprouts taste weird? ›
Undercooked sprouts can taste even more bitter than the cooked variety. Overcook them, and they release more sulfur — which amplifies the cabbage smell.
What is the chemical taste in brussel sprouts? ›
The bitter taste of Brussels sprouts comes from compounds called glucosinolates and their degradation products, he explains. These bitter tasting compounds are an important part of the plant's defence mechanism against leaf-eating enemies, such as insects, nematodes, slugs, and herbivores, like pigeons and deer.
What takes the bitterness out of Brussels sprouts? ›
One technique for mitigating bitterness in Brussels sprouts is to blanch them. (This technique also works for making collard greens less bitter, as well as other greens.) Blanching involves adding your veg to boiling water for a brief period, then plunging it into an ice bath to stop the cooking process.
When did Brussels sprouts stop tasting bad? ›
National Public Radio reports that the sprouts began to change in the 1990s. A Dutch scientist named Hans van Doorn, who worked at a seed and chemical company, figured out exactly which chemical compounds in Brussels sprouts made them bitter.
Is it OK to eat brussel sprouts everyday? ›
Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? Go for it. “If you enjoy sprouts and can tolerate them, absolutely! They're lower in calories and contain a myriad of important nutrients” says Snyder.
Which country eats the most brussel sprouts? ›
Did you know? Britons eat more Brussels sprouts than any other nation in Europe. Our sprout industry is worth £650m and the area covered by sprout fields in the UK is the equivalent of 3,240 football pitches. It's fair to say that these days, no one loves sprouts more than the British.
Why do I feel weird after eating brussel sprouts? ›
Like other cruciferous veggies, Brussels sprouts have a type of carbohydrate that your body can't easily break down. This can cause you to have belly pain, gas, and either diarrhea or constipation.
You “can” eat them, as in they're not harmful (technically I suppose they'd be protein), so it won't hurt if you ingest a few — but they don't taste good.
Is it OK to eat smelly brussel sprouts? ›
Foul, moldy odor When your brussel sprouts are still fresh and good to eat, they won't have much of an odor or they may smell a little earthy. Brussel sprouts normally only smell after you cook them, so toss out any that have any strong odors while they're still raw.
Are Brussels sprouts different today? ›
But things are different at the table today. It's not that you've grown up with more sophisticated tastes; it's the Brussels sprouts that have changed. Scientists in the Netherlands tinkered with them, making the sprouts bitter no longer. National Public Radio reports that the sprouts began to change in the 1990s.
Why do I feel so good after eating brussel sprouts? ›
Rich in antioxidants
Brussels sprouts are high in antioxidants, compounds that promote overall health and help prevent damage to cells ( 5 , 6). Eating Brussels sprouts as part of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help supply the antioxidants your body needs to promote good health.
What is the difference in taste between cabbage and brussel sprouts? ›
But despite their differences, Brussels sprouts and cabbage are fairly similar in taste, albeit sprouts are a little more bitter. Raw dishes aside, you can often substitute one for the other, depending on how bitter you like your vegetables.
How do you cover up the taste of brussel sprouts? ›
Other Ways to Flavor Brussels Sprouts
After the sprouts are roasted and caramelized, drizzle honey (or hot honey), soy or balsamic glaze, or go sweet and savory with sweet chili or maple syrup. Sub in other cheeses while you're at it, like Gruyère, feta, or blue, depending on your mood.
