Eat Brussel Sprouts Day

Eat Brussel Sprouts Day is an annual celebration dedicated to the small, leafy green vegetable known as Brussels sprouts. This day encourages people to incorporate these nutrient-rich vegetables into their diet and explore various delicious ways to prepare them.

Quick facts

When is it?: January 31st
Tagged as: Food & Drink, Fruits & Vegetables
What’s the hashtag?: #EatBrusselSproutsDay
When was it founded?: The exact founding date is unclear
Who founded it?: The founder is unknown

History of Eat Brussel Sprouts Day

The history of Eat Brussel Sprouts Day is not well-documented, but the vegetable itself has a rich history. Brussels sprouts originated in ancient Rome and were later cultivated in Belgium, specifically near Brussels, hence their name. They gained popularity in Europe during the 16th century and were introduced to North America by French settlers in the 18th century.

Timeline

5th century: Brussels sprouts first found in northern Europe
13th century: Cultivation begins in Flanders (modern-day Belgium)
16th century: Brussels sprouts become popular in southern Netherlands and northern Europe
Late 18th century: French settlers bring Brussels sprouts to Louisiana
Early 1900s: Brussels sprouts become an established commercial crop in California

Eat Brussel Sprouts Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	January 31	Friday
2026	January 31	Saturday
2027	January 31	Sunday
2028	January 31	Monday
2029	January 31	Wednesday
2030	January 31	Thursday

Observed Eat Brussel Sprouts Day

Eat Brussel Sprouts Day is observed by incorporating Brussels sprouts into meals and trying new recipes. Many people use this day to experiment with different cooking methods such as roasting, grilling, or steaming Brussels sprouts. It’s also an opportunity to learn about the health benefits of this vegetable and share favorite recipes with friends and family.

Some restaurants and food bloggers create special Brussels sprouts dishes or menus to celebrate the day. Health-conscious individuals might use this occasion to start including more Brussels sprouts in their regular diet.

Communities and schools may organize events or challenges centered around Brussels sprouts, encouraging people to try this sometimes-controversial vegetable in new and exciting ways.

Fun Facts About Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are named after the city of Brussels, Belgium.
They are part of the Brassica family, which includes cabbage, broccoli, and kale.
There are over 110 different varieties of Brussels sprouts.
A single Brussels sprout plant can produce up to 3 pounds of sprouts.
Brussels sprouts contain more vitamin C than oranges, gram for gram.

Quiz

In which century did Brussels sprouts become popular in Europe?
What family of vegetables do Brussels sprouts belong to?
How many varieties of Brussels sprouts exist?
Which country is the largest producer of Brussels sprouts in Europe?
What vitamin are Brussels sprouts particularly high in?

(Answers: 1. 16th century, 2. Brassica family, 3. Over 110, 4. Netherlands, 5. Vitamin C)

FAQs

Can you eat Brussels sprouts raw?
Yes, Brussels sprouts can be eaten raw, although they may taste bitter. Most people prefer to cook them to enhance their flavor.

Are Brussels sprouts good for you?
Yes, Brussels sprouts are highly nutritious, containing vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.

How many Brussels sprouts are in a serving?
A typical serving is about 80 grams, which is approximately 8 medium-sized Brussels sprouts.

Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts?
While not toxic to dogs, Brussels sprouts may cause digestive upset and should be given in moderation, if at all.

How should Brussels sprouts be stored?
Store unwashed Brussels sprouts in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Importance of Eat Brussel Sprouts Day

Eat Brussel Sprouts Day serves as a reminder of the nutritional benefits of this often-overlooked vegetable. It encourages people to incorporate more vegetables into their diet, promoting healthier eating habits.

This day also provides an opportunity to educate people about the versatility of Brussels sprouts in cooking. By trying new recipes and preparation methods, individuals may discover enjoyable ways to eat this nutrient-dense food.

Furthermore, Eat Brussel Sprouts Day can help support local farmers and agriculture by increasing demand for this crop. It also promotes sustainable eating, as Brussels sprouts are typically a low-impact crop in terms of environmental resources.