Did Brussels sprout really derive its name from the Belgian capital?
Most people loathe Brussels sprouts (it is in the top five of ‘the most hated vegetables of the United States’), while others relish this cruciferous vegetable for its unique shape, flavour and versatility.
Now people might be hating them because of their bitter flavour due to the presence of sulphur-containing compounds. However, Brussels sprouts have held on to their image as a healthy food courtesy their nutritional value including vitamins A, C, and K; minerals like manganese, folic acid and high dietary fibre content.
Brussels sprout refers to a variety of cabbage that belongs to the mustard family Brassicaceae. It is a widely grown and consumed as an edible bud in Europe and North America. It’s a green vegetable having the scientific name Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera. Resembling a cluster of miniature cabbages, the ‘sprout’can reach a diameter of 4 centimetres.
Nevertheless, like them or hate them, whether you bake, sauté or simply fry them, the ‘B’ in ‘Brussels’ always remains capitalized. Here’s why!
Are they really from Brussels?
Brussels sprouts are often presumed to have its roots in ancient Rome (13th century). However, it was only in the 16th century Belgium that this vegetable gained its popularity that continues till today. In fact, they were cultivated on a large scale as a vegetable crop in the Belgian capital Brussels from where it derives its name. As a result, Brussels sprouts are often regarded as being native to Belgium. This also means that if we drop the ‘s’ at the end of Brussels, it disregards the plant’s Belgian origin. While Brussels in Brussels sprout refers to the Belgian capital, sprout has been derived from the Old English word ‘sprutan’ meaning ‘to sprout’.
Brussels sprouts goes global
Brussels sprout originated in Rome and was popularised in Brussels around 1587. Thereafter, it spread to other countries across Europe, especially France, from where the French settlers took it to America’s Louisiana in 1800. By 1925, Brussels sprout had made a name for itself and its commercial production was initiated. At present, Brussels sprout happens to be a leading part of the frozen food industry across central coast of America, including California.
Now you know that despite its bitter taste and un-appetising appearance, this vegetable is true to one thing – its name!