Need a new friend, buy a stalk of brussel sprouts. You laugh. I’m serious. Ninety percent of the time I throw one of those green, spiny things into my shopping cart, I’m stopped by a new-found acquaintance who knows something or needs to know something. Curiosity overcomes apprehension to talk to a stranger. No other vegetable can compare.
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| My Friendly Purchase |
The fact that it’s about three feet long with three-five inch “spines” in between leafy green golf balls draws stares. It really looks more like a rack of something and not a stalk of something. It’s kind of freakish. “What is that thing?” “What do you do with it?” The conversations are quite entertaining. To the newbies, I tell them they are brussel sprouts and my kids love them, eating them up like popcorn. This produces an almost greater shock and look of consternation. “Really? They’re that good.” Yep, they’re that good and really good for you.”
I learned the extreme healthy side of brussel sprouts at the deli counter. I was patiently waiting for my order, staring at my veggie baby. It was my first purchase of the sort so I was a little self-conscious with it sticking out of my cart. “Do you know that brussel sprouts are one of the healthiest foods you can feed a child?” I look up to see an older gentleman looking at me and then pointing to the “rack”. “I’m a doctor and I teach nutrition. Sprouts are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.” He was very happy for my kids. My confidence boosted at my healthy choice, I could look people in the eye when I passed them in the grocery aisles.
I looked up to see if this doc’s claims were true, and they are more than true. Brussel sprouts have a nutritional resume the length of my arm and most are unpronounceable depending on the website researched. The easy ones are Vitamins A, C, and a bunch of Bs, calcium and fiber. And those little guys are huge at cancer prevention. No wonder this doc couldn’t wait to tell me what he knew. This is great stuff! I also learned brussel sprouts really did get their name from Brussels, Belgium. You might need that fact some day for a bet, Jeopardy, or to just look good in front of your kids. (No smartphone peaks necessary.)
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My next brussel sprouts encounter involved an older lady that brings a smile to my face every time I think of her. “Ya know, if you sauté those with yams you will lose four pounds.” Really? I haven’t tried it but it sounds better than giving up chocolate. She went on to say how important antioxidants are and you need to take care of yourself from the inside out, especially for the complexion “How old are you?” I tell her. Amazing what you will reveal to a complete stranger. “She goes on to say, ah, you are the same age as my daughter. Well, I’m 75. I don’t look it do I?” She did look pretty good but it was little distracting with the Andy Warhol makeover, ala Marilyn Monroe style. Fashion throwback or fashion forward flare (it’s coming back) I can’t say, but I’m sure the skin is pure radiance.
I went about my shopping and ran into her again. She had one more thing to share. “Acai juice is an excellent antioxidant; it’s a little thick though.” Then she pulls in close, “Don’t buy it here. It’s not the good stuff.” I ask her if it tastes ok and should I dilute it with water. “Ahh, it tastes great! Just mix it into a martini every night.” Will do, except maybe school nights.
And as your new virtual brussel-sprouts friend, if you haven’t ever purchased the gems, on or off the rack, they are simple to prepare. My guys like them trimmed, split and roasted with olive oil, salt and a little garlic. Throw them into an oven at 375 for 20-25 minutes, easy and delicious. A few more recipes to try belong to my friend, a food blogger at authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com. The one with pancetta and pecans was our favorite. Now go forth and see what new friends you will meet. Any hot tips, please share.
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Hi Francie-
Great blog!!!
How about we get some brussels in brussels somewhere around April 1? Not that there's a big bike race going on there or anything..but there might be. 😉
Great blog post and love that you did it about brussels! Thank you for the “shout out”! I really enjoy your style of writing – whitty, funny and enjoy that it is centered around everyday things. Hope you are having a good week!! 🙂
Where does one encounter racks of brussel sprouts? Mine have been “de-antlered”
Most of the time and in the case of these “encounters” I am at Diablo Foods, the outdoor produce display. Sometimes Trader Joes. Lately, I haven't seen them.
There's a place in SF that makes brussel sprout chips! Another yummy preparation. Fun post!