The new Brussels sprout season looks promising

 

 

 

 

Belgium has a long history of growing sprouts. Like witloof chicory, they were first cultivated in Brussels, so it is hardly surprising that they are called “ Brussels sprouts ” in English and “choux de Bruxelles ” in French. Sprouts are a typical winter vegetable and are grown exclusively outdoors, which means that production and quality very much depend on the weather.

Brussels sprout production has been steadily rising for a number of years, with 2007 a particularly productive year in terms of crop size. The damp, fairly cool summer this year ensured favourable growing conditions. “ The crop looks promising,” says Yves Cardoen, Product Manager at the REO Auction. “ Production will peak a bit later this year because the plants will keep growing for longer. Cold nights, sunny weather during the day and an easterly wind in the autumn are ideal for quality. The sprouts will be firm and compact and quality will be excellent. ”

Supply of Brussels sprouts to the auctions gradually got under way last month and will increase further this month, reaching a peak between mid-November and the end of February. The Brussels sprout season will come to an end in early April 2009.