In the Brassica genus of plants, Brussels sprouts are tiny, crunchy vegetables with a sphere-like appearance.
Despite growing on a stalk, they are frequently sold already cut off and in a bag, ready for preparation.
Cooked Brussels sprouts are popular, but some people also eat them raw, diced, in salads, or coleslaw.
You might be unsure if Brussels sprouts can be consumed raw due to their bitter flavor and crisp texture.
This page discusses the nutritional value of raw Brussels sprouts, the safety of eating them raw, and several preparation methods.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
✅ Among the cruciferous family of vegetables, Brussels sprouts are a nutrient-dense food.
✅ You can eat Brussels sprouts raw in addition to cooking them using techniques like roasting, steaming, or boiling.
✅ The most frequent negative effect of eating raw Brussels sprouts is that some individuals may experience gas.
✅ Additionally, due to their possible iodine-inhibiting chemicals, persons who suffer from hypothyroidism may wish to stay away from them in significant amounts.
✅ However, for most people, your preference for flavor will determine whether you should consume them uncooked.
✅ Put them in a salad by chopping them up, a sandwich by layering them, or a coleslaw by shredding them.
Are Brussels sprouts edible raw?
Some people refrain from consuming specific grains, vegetables, and legumes unless they have been cooked out of worry about antinutrients, or substances that can prevent the absorption of vital minerals.
Oxalates are present in spinach and phytate levels in soybeans, for example. These naturally occurring substances may prevent your body from absorbing nutrients like zinc, calcium, and iron. Antinutrients are diminished by cooking.
Brussels sprouts do contain substances known as glucosinolates even if they don’t contain some of the most popular antinutrients.
Iodine absorption has been observed to be decreased by glucosinolates. Goiter, which is an abnormally enlarged thyroid gland, can develop as a result of iodine shortage, which can affect thyroid function.
Although those who already have thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism may want to limit their intake of glucosinolates, most healthy individuals pose no risk from consuming them as part of a well-balanced diet. Additionally, glucosinolates seem to have health advantages such as anticancer capabilities.
However, if you’re worried about consuming glucosinolates, it’s better to boil Brassica vegetables like Brussels sprouts in order to lessen their amount. Most glucosinolates are retained by other cooking techniques, such as steaming.
What happens if you eat raw Brussels sprouts
Eating raw Brussels sprouts can have the same negative effects as eating other raw cruciferous vegetables like cabbage or broccoli. Raw Brussels sprouts have a harsh flavor and may make some individuals feel sicker.
They contain raffinose, an indigestible fiber that can be hard on the stomach. These and other indigestible fibers are broken down by bacteria in the large intestine, which releases gases including hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane as they do so. People who already have digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or who may not be accustomed to eating Brussels sprouts or other similar veggies may have even more discomfort as a result of this.
Outcomes of cooking
Similar to other greens and cruciferous vegetables, Brussels sprouts usually have a specific cooking window that results in the best flavor and texture. Brussels sprouts can become bitter and mushy if overcooked. They can become quite chewy and less sweet if they are not cooked for a sufficient amount of time.
Start by steaming, sautéing, or boiling Brussels sprouts for 5 to 7 minutes. Start with 20 to 30 minutes when roasting them in the oven.
The enzyme myrosinase is released during the cooking of Brussels sprouts. Glucosinolates are converted into isothiocyanates, which could be anti-cancer. However, exercise caution because roasting vegetables at temperatures above 284°F (140°C) destroy glucosinolates.
According to research on cruciferous vegetables, boiling retains the most antioxidants, particularly carotenoids. Additionally, preparing veggies generally boosts their overall antioxidant potency.
When you cook vegetables with water-intensive techniques like boiling, the levels of water-soluble vitamins, especially vitamin C, tend to decline. On the other hand, several studies have discovered that cooking cruciferous vegetables raises levels of vitamins E and K.
Methods for cooking Brussels sprouts
It’s a common misconception that both kids and adults detest Brussels sprouts, but this isn’t always the case. Like many other vegetables, how you prepare Brussels sprouts affects their flavor.
The best way to prepare raw, uncooked Brussels sprouts is to slice or dice them into tiny pieces. Try some of these recipes with raw Brussels sprouts:
- Salad. Combine thinly sliced Brussels sprouts with leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, and other raw vegetables in a salad. Apply your preferred salad dressing to your creation.
- Coleslaw. Your whole, raw Brussels sprouts should be grated or shredded. Combine them with slaw components such as pecans or almonds, olive oil, vinegar, honey, brown mustard, and dried cranberries.
- Sandwiches. As you would with spinach or lettuce, thinly slice your Brussels sprouts and use them as layering greens on sandwiches for a satisfying crunch.
Cooked Brussels sprouts are also delectable. They should be cleaned, trimmed, and cut into the required form or size. Try preparing them in one of the following ways:
- Steamed. A fitting steamer basket should be added to a pot that has an inch of water at a boil. Put the Brussels sprouts in the steamer basket, cover it, and steam them for 5-7 minutes, or until they are the required tenderness.
- Sautéed. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Sliced sprouts should form a single layer in the skillet after being added. They should be heated for around 5-7 minutes on each side and seasoned with a few pinches of salt, pepper, and either lemon juice or garlic powder.
- Roasted. Cut your Brussels sprouts in half, then combine them with a generous amount of olive oil, salt, and pepper. On a baking sheet, arrange them in a single layer and bake them for about 30 minutes at 400°F (204°C).
- Boiled. Bring water in a big pot to a boil. Brussels sprouts should be added and boiled for 10 minutes, or until a fork can be inserted. Sprouts should be drained in a colander before being seasoned with butter, salt, and pepper, or as preferred.