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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: diggerrick on November 13, 2011, 17:59:17

Title: bitter brussel sprouts
Post by: diggerrick on November 13, 2011, 17:59:17
hi, can anyone recommend a good variety of spouts as the ones i have this year taste a bit bitter, cant remember the variety i planted, i am assuming its the variety of spouts i have or have i done something wrong its my first time growing them. cheers rick
Title: Re: bitter brussel sprouts
Post by: pumkinlover on November 13, 2011, 22:14:16
Wait till they have had a good frost, they will sweeten up then :)
Title: Re: bitter brussel sprouts
Post by: kt. on November 15, 2011, 00:43:35
We have been harvesting Maximus since 31 Aug and all tasted fine and no frost has been on them yet.  Still plenty left then it will be Wellington sprouts for Jan - April as a second crop
Title: Re: bitter brussel sprouts
Post by: Vinlander on November 28, 2011, 00:06:38
Quote from: diggerrick on November 13, 2011, 17:59:17
hi, can anyone recommend a good variety of spouts as the ones i have this year taste a bit bitter, cant remember the variety i planted, i am assuming its the variety of spouts i have or have i done something wrong its my first time growing them. cheers rick

Sprouts are supposed to have mustardy overtones - slightly hot more than bitter - it is what gives them that hint of nutty taste.

To me this is the essential difference that makes them sprouts - when it is there I choose sprouts over cabbage, when it isn't there they are pointless - they would just be a less convenient form of cabbage!

I've developed an aversion the seed catalogues because their threats of breeding a 'sweet' sprout for 'children' fill me with dismay.

If (as seems likely), the health benefits of sprouts come (sprout?) from the mustard oils in them - then this is a doubly idiotic thing for breeders to waste their time on...

Cheers.