What season is good for brussel sprouts?

Brussels sprouts are a nutritious and delicious vegetable that are in season during the fall and winter months. Knowing the best times to find brussels sprouts fresh can help you enjoy this veggie at its peak flavor and texture.

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When are brussels sprouts in season?

Brussels sprouts are at their best in terms of taste and quality during the cooler seasons of fall and winter. The peak season for brussels sprouts runs from September through February in most regions.

Here’s a more detailed look at when brussels sprouts are in season:

Early Fall (September – November) – Brussels sprouts planted in late summer are ready for harvest in early fall. This is when the sprouts are small, tender, and sweet.
Late Fall to Early Winter (November – January) – This is peak season for brussels sprouts. The sprouts are still small and tender but have developed their full nutty, savory flavor.

Mid to Late Winter (January – February) – Brussels sprouts are still abundant but quality starts to decline. Look for sprouts with tight, bright green heads.
Spring/Summer – Brussels sprouts are out of season and very hard to find fresh.

So for the best taste and texture, target your brussels sprouts recipes in the fall and winter months when they are at the height of season.

Why are brussels sprouts in season in cold weather?

There are a few reasons why brussels sprouts thrive in cooler temperatures:

Frost helps brussels sprouts develop their sweet, nutty flavor. A few light frosts essentially “sweeten” the sprouts.
Cool weather slows down growth allowing more time for sugars to develop. Warm weather causes rapid growth that dilutes flavor.

The colder soil of fall/winter results in a shorter, sturdier stalk. This prevents the sprouts from blowing over.
Cooler fall/winter days and nights bring out brussels sprouts’ dark green color and compact heads.

In short, the cold triggers chemical changes in brussels sprouts that maximize both their flavor and visual appeal. Hot summer temperatures would ruin their texture and taste.

When should you plant brussels sprouts?

To enjoy fresh brussels sprouts in the fall and winter, you need to plant them at the right time for your climate:

In most regions, plant brussels sprouts in early to mid summer for a fall/early winter harvest.
Aim for around 90-100 days before the first expected autumn frost.

In warmer zones like the South, plant brussels sprouts up to 14 weeks before the first fall frost.
In cooler Northern zones, sprouts can be planted as late as mid summer.

Use the table below as a general guide on brussels sprouts planting times by region:

Region	Planting Time
Northern States	June – July
Midwest States	May – June
Southern States	February – March (second crop in July-August)
West Coast	June – August

To maximize your harvest window, consider planting a second crop of brussels sprouts in warmer regions like the South. This allows for an early fall and late winter harvest.

How do brussels sprouts grow?

Knowing how brussels sprouts develop and grow can help you better understand their seasonal availability.

Here is a quick overview of the brussels sprouts growth stages:

Seedling stage – Seeds are sown indoors and seedlings are transplanted outside after 4-6 weeks.
Leaf production – The plant focuses on growing stalks, leaves, and establishing roots for about 3 months.
Sprout formation – Lower leaves are trimmed to force growth into the sprouts along the stalk. Cooler fall temperatures trigger sprout growth.

Maturity – Bottom sprouts mature first over 2-3 weeks. Plants can keep producing into winter.
Harvest – Sprouts are hand picked or cut off their stalks. A few light frosts help intensify flavor.

From seed to harvest, brussels sprouts take about 15-20 weeks to reach maturity. That’s why they thrive as a fall/winter crop.

How long is brussels sprout season?

Brussels sprout season typically lasts 3-5 months from early fall through winter before supplies dwindle in late winter to early spring.

Here’s a general timeline for brussels sprouts seasonality:

September – Early season sprouts become available at farmers markets in some regions.

October – Brussels sprouts season is in full swing. Supplies increase and prices decrease.
November-December – Peak brussels sprout season with abundant supply and low prices.
January-February – Brussels sprout season starts winding down though plenty are still available.

March-August – Out of season. Hard to find fresh brussels sprouts.

So while you may find brussels sprouts year-round in supermarkets, they are at their freshest and best from fall through early winter.

Tips for finding brussels sprouts in season

Keep these tips in mind to find delicious, in season brussels sprouts:

Shop at local farmer’s markets in fall and winter months.
Check stores for domestic, locally grown brussels sprouts rather than imported.
Look for sprouts with bright green, tightly packed heads. Avoid yellowing sprouts.

Choose sprouts of similar size for even cooking.
For the best flavor, buy loose sprouts rather than pre-packaged.
Refrigerate and use fresh brussels sprouts within a few days for optimal texture and taste.

Benefits of in season brussels sprouts

Beyond tasting better, there are additional benefits to enjoying brussels sprouts during their peak season:

Higher nutrition – Brussels sprouts offer the most vitamins and antioxidants right after harvest.
Better texture – Cool weather makes sprouts firm and compact compared to limp, soft out of season sprouts.

Natural sweetness – Sprouts develop more sugar in cool fall temperatures resulting in sweeter flavor.
Local availability – Buying in season sprouts supports local farmers and is more sustainable.
Lower cost – No imported markups and high supply makes season sprouts more affordable.

How to select fresh brussels sprouts

Follow these guidelines to select the freshest, highest quality brussels sprouts:

Look for bright green or blue-green sprouts. Avoid yellowed sprouts.
Pick sprouts with tight, dense heads. Loose sprouts are overripe.

Choose sprouts of similar size for cooking consistency.
Pass on sprouts with holes, mold, dark spots, or other defects.
Avoid sprouts that are limp, mushy or feel lightweight. Opt for firm, heavy sprouts.

Check that the stem ends aren’t too dry or split open.

The smaller and more tightly packed the sprouts, the sweeter and more tender they will be when cooked. Size doesn’t necessarily indicate freshness.

How to store brussels sprouts

Proper storage keeps brussels sprouts fresh as long as possible:

At room temperature – Keep dry, loose sprouts in a vented plastic bag for 2-3 days max.
In the refrigerator – Store unwashed sprouts in a loose or perforated plastic bag for 5-7 days.
In the freezer – Blanch sprouts for 2-3 minutes then freeze in airtight bags for 9-12 months.

Don’t wash sprouts before refrigerating as moisture speeds up spoilage. Wash just before prepping.

How to prepare brussels sprouts

These quick tips will help you prep and cook fresh brussels sprouts:

Wash – Rinse sprouts under cool water right before cooking. Don’t soak.

Trim – Cut or snap off any discolored outer leaves and the very bottom of the stem.
Cut – For even cooking, cut larger sprouts in half lengthwise through the stem.
Cook – Boil, roast, stir-fry, or steam for 5-8 minutes until tender-crisp.

Season – Toss cooked sprouts with oil, salt, pepper, garlic, or spices.

Avoid overcooking brussels sprouts to maintain their texture and prevent a strong sulfur flavor from developing.

Popular ways to serve brussels sprouts

Here are some delicious ways to cook and serve brussels sprouts:

Roasted – Toss halved sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper then roast at 400°F until browned.
Sauteed – Fry sliced sprouts in oil with garlic, nuts, bacon, or onion for a quick saute.
Grilled – Grill lightly oiled whole sprouts over medium heat for great charred flavor.

Shredded – Finely slice raw sprouts then sauté with garlic and lemon juice for a slaw.
Pureed – Steam and blend sprouts with broth and cream for a vivid green soup or side.

Brussels sprouts pair well with rich, savory flavors like bacon, cheese, nuts, mustard, and balsamic vinegar.

Brussels Sprouts Recipes

Try out these delicious brussels sprouts recipes to enjoy this veggie at its seasonal best:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:

1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

2 Tbsp olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 tsp pure maple syrup

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Toss brussels sprouts with olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
Roast for 20-25 minutes until deeply browned, tossing halfway.
Whisk balsamic vinegar and maple syrup together in a small bowl.

Add roasted sprouts to bowl with glaze and toss to coat. Serve warm.

Seared Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Ingredients:

1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced

4 slices bacon, diced
1 shallot, thinly sliced
2 Tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat a skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy, 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.

Add shallots to bacon drippings and cook 1 minute. Add brussels sprouts and toss to coat in drippings. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until sprouts begin to char.
Add olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking, tossing frequently, until sprouts are tender, about 5 more minutes.
Remove from heat and mix in crispy bacon. Adjust seasoning and serve immediately.

Creamy Braised Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Ingredients:

2 lbs brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
3 Tbsp butter

3 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 2-qt baking dish with oil or butter.
Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add brussels sprouts and cook 5 minutes until just tender. Drain well.

In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes.
Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened to a sauce consistency, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat. Mix in 1/2 cup Parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Add drained brussels sprouts to sauce and transfer to prepared baking dish. Top with remaining Parmesan and panko crumbs.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and top is browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

When it comes to brussels sprouts, timing is everything. To enjoy this healthy vegetable at its sweet, nutty best, be sure to seek it out in the fall and winter months when it’s in peak season. Look for firm, vibrant sprouts at farmers markets or in stores during the cooler seasons. Then try out some delicious sprouts recipes to take advantage of their seasonal flavors. With proper selection, storage, and preparation, brussels sprouts can be a delicious addition to your cold weather meals.