Brussels Sprouts Facts for Kids

Learn about Brussels sprouts, how they grow, how to cook them, and why they are a healthy vegetable to try. This page also shows how to roast Brussels sprouts and includes a few easy recipe ideas.

Fun Brussels Sprouts Facts

Brussels sprouts look like tiny cabbages.
They grow on a thick stalk instead of underground.
They are related to cabbage and broccoli.
They are often best in late fall and winter.
They can be roasted, steamed, boiled, or sautéed.

How Brussels Sprouts Grow, Buying Tips, and Storage

When Brussels Sprouts Are Available

Brussels sprouts usually grow from late fall through winter.

How Brussels Sprouts Grow

They grow like their relatives cabbage and broccoli. Small heads sprout and are harvested along the stalk.

What to Look for When Buying

Brussels sprouts should look like miniature cabbages. Choose sprouts that feel heavy and tightly closed with no blemishes or yellow color.

Storage Tips

Store Brussels sprouts in the refrigerator crisper section.

Kid Tip: Let kids compare Brussels sprouts to cabbage or broccoli and notice how they are alike.

How to Roast Brussels Sprouts

Wash the Brussels sprouts and trim the ends.
Cut the sprouts in half.
Place them on a cookie sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Roast in a 450 degree oven for about 5 minutes or until tender.

Why roasting works: Roasting helps Brussels sprouts taste sweeter and less bitter than boiling.

Mini Activity

Mini Activity: Brussels Sprouts Compare
Look closely at a Brussels sprout and compare it to cabbage or broccoli. How are they alike? How are they different? Count how many leaves you can gently peel back on one sprout.

Nutrition Facts

Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin K and vitamin C. They are also high in folic acid and fiber.

More Food Fact Resources

Recipe

Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Dressing

This easy Brussels sprouts recipe uses a bright lemon dressing for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Brussels sprouts
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper
1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped, or 1 to 2 tablespoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons vinegar

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Place the Brussels sprouts in the pot and boil for 3 to 5 minutes.
In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, salt, pepper, parsley, and vinegar.
Drain the sprouts and pour the dressing over them before serving.

Tip: Smaller sprouts cook faster. Do not overcook them or they can lose flavor.

Kid Cooking Tip: Kids can help squeeze the lemon, stir the dressing, and pour it over the cooked sprouts.

More Brussels Sprouts Recipes

Simple Brussels Sprouts

Melt butter in a large skillet and sauté one garlic clove. Cut Brussels sprouts in half and place them cut side down in the butter. Cook 3 to 5 minutes until tender. Test them by inserting a knife. It should pierce through easily.

Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Potatoes

1 to 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1-inch cubes
3/4 pound Brussels sprouts
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons chopped nuts

Boil the sweet potatoes until tender. Cook Brussels sprouts in boiling water about 5 minutes and drain. Melt butter in a saucepan, then add the cooked sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and remaining ingredients. Cook several minutes before serving.