Brussels Sprouts


1 entry found.
Picture of Brussels Sprouts Brussels Sprouts
Common Name: Brussels Sprouts
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera (BRAS-si-ca o-ler-ACE-ee-a)
Decorative Life: 5-7 days.
Post Harvest Care:
  • Remove bottom leaves if present, recut stems under water and place into water plus regular household bleach at 20 drops (1/4 teaspoon) per quart.
  • Odor, fungal infection and sprouts turning prematurely yellow are all concerns. Cannot use anti-yellowing products because this is an edible crop.
Family Roots:
  • Member of the Brassicaceae or Cruciferae (mustard family).
  • Native to Europe.
  • Related species include cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, broccoli.
Personality:
  • Globular buds, 1 inch in diameter, composed of compacted leaves, are crowded along thick stems.
  • Stems 24-36 inches long.
  • Plant is an annual, classed as a dicotyledon, leaves not parallel veined.
  • Odor of plant parts may be unpleasant.
Availability: Mostly summer, autumn but some available year-round.
Flower Color: Not applicable.
Storage Specifics: 32-34F.
Tidbits:
  • The specific epithet name "oleracea" generally means of the garden whereas the variety name "gemmifera" means bud-bearing, in reference to the location of the sprouts.
  • Cruciferae means cross, referring to the flower petals positioned as a cross. In obvious reference to Jesus and the crucifix.