Wrapped in foil and tossed lightly in the trash. When I asked how you all like Brussels Sprouts today on Facebook, my Dad stated bluntly, “wrapped in foil and tossed lightly in the trash”. To be honest, I was quite shocked by the positive reactions that we received. For the most part, Brussels sprouts might be the most hated item in the garden. For many, it’s the most hated vegetable in the world.

When I was a kid, I used to watch old reruns of ‘Leave It To Beaver’. This was when I had my first exposure to Brussels sprouts. Though I wasn’t a huge fan of the show, I did think The Beave was an excellent judge of character and did a fantastic job avoiding the dreaded sprout until I was nearly 30 when at a wedding. You see, I’m the kind of guy who will eat anything if set in front of me. I was hungry I had only had two or three plates of good and I wasn’t apposed to putting anything that was on the table into my stomach. I just grabbed things left and right. Piled high on my plate was a little, or a lot of everything on the table, including Brussels sprouts. I have no idea how they got there. I must have gone blind in my gluttony. I have no idea how they got there, but crap, they were good! Damn you Beaver and your misguided judgment!

So, I love Brussels Sprouts. It turns out that I’m not supposed to eat them, as they might as well be poison to one with Crohn’s, but every now and then I’ll eat a couple. I can deal with a little pain. For those of you who can eat Brussels Sprouts and haven’t tried them or don’t like them, you’re missing out. There are so many amazing ways to prepare them (Check out Our Tiny Earth on Facebook for readers ideas), and they are so incredibly healthy!

Brussels Sprouts and an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s got the cure for whatever ails ya! Some say that it’s anti-cancer properties are almost that of Broccoli sprouts and is nearly comparable to an orange in vitamin C.

Brussels sprouts aren’t to hard to grow. The biggest issue is pests. They are a favorite of rabbits and groundhogs. Start your seed on flats, indoors, transplant your starts early to mid-summer, and let go. At about 24 inches apart, they need their soil to remain damp to get through the hot summer months. You’ll know when they’re ready just by looking at it.

If you don’t like Brussels Sprouts, give them one more chance. Try one of the ways suggested on our Facebook page.