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Brussels Sprouts Delivery or Pickup
The Instacart guide to Brussels sprouts
About Brussels sprouts
The Brussels sprout is a green cruciferous vegetable that resembles a tiny cabbage and is closely related to cabbage. This vegetable is part of the mustard family known as Brassicaceae. The name comes from the city in Belgium, where Brussels sprouts were first grown.
Today, Brussels sprouts are grown across Europe and North America. Although you can find them almost year-round, the peak season for Brussels sprouts runs from September through mid-February. For this reason, they are typically considered a winter vegetable.
Raw Brussels sprouts are often described as bitter, which is why they are most often cooked before eating. When cooked well, Brussels sprouts can be sweet and nutty. Generally, the younger and smaller the sprouts, the better they will taste.
How to pick out Brussels sprouts
When you're shopping for Brussels sprouts, look for sprouts that are bright green. Avoid those with any discoloration, such as black or yellow spots, that could indicate decay. The best sprouts will be small and firm with tight, compact leaves. If you will be cooking all the Brussels sprouts at once, select sprouts that are very close in size so they'll cook evenly.
Many stores give you multiple options for how you buy your Brussels sprouts. You may find them loose in a bin, allowing you to choose exactly how many and which ones you want, or bundled together in plastic containers. In many cases, you can find Brussels sprouts that have already been halved, sliced, or shaved to cut down on your meal prep time. Some stores even sell Brussels sprouts that are still on the stalk, which helps them stay fresh longer. Regardless of which you choose, you're looking for that bright green color.
If you're short on time, order your next batch of Brussels sprouts through Instacart. Our experienced shoppers will pick out the best Brussels sprouts available — plus anything else you need for dinner — and bring them to your door in as little as 2 hours!
Cooking tips for Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts can be prepared in several ways. The best option depends on your personal preference and whether you're prioritizing taste or nutrition. Here are a few simple ways to cook your Brussels sprouts.
- Steaming: Steaming your Brussels sprouts will lock in as many nutrients as possible, and it only takes five to eight minutes (or less in the microwave). For the best results, cut an X in the stem before steaming; this enables the heat to reach the core so that the sprouts cook evenly.
- Boiling: You can also boil Brussels sprouts in five to eight minutes. Use the same X method that you would for steaming.
- Roasting: Roasting is among the most delicious ways to prepare Brussels sprouts. Simply toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast them for about 30 minutes in a 425-degree oven.
- Pan-frying: If you'd like more crunch and texture, try pan-frying your Brussels sprouts. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until the oil is just short of smoking. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half and place cut-side-down into the hot pan. Sear for about three minutes, then flip and cook for another three to five minutes—season with salt and pepper.
Brussels Sprouts Near Me
Buy your favorite Brussels Sprouts online with Instacart. Order Brussels Sprouts, Purple Brussels Sprouts, Brussels Sprout Stalk, and more from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.
FAQs about Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts can last up to a week if stored properly — sometimes even longer. However, they tend to taste best when used within three to five days. When possible, buy Brussels sprouts on the stalk and store the stalks in water, breaking off individual sprouts when you're ready to use them. This will help your sprouts stay fresh as long as possible. Store loose Brussels sprouts in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator after removing any wilted or discolored leaves. Do not wash before storing, as the excess moisture can accelerate decay.
Alternatively, you can freeze Brussels sprouts. Frozen Brussels sprouts can maintain their quality for up to 18 months. Before freezing, be sure to wash the sprouts, trim off the coarse outer leaves, blanch them, and drain off excess moisture. Then store them in an airtight container in your freezer.
Although Brussels sprouts do look like baby cabbages, they are actually a distinct vegetable. However, Brussels sprouts and cabbage do belong to the same family of cruciferous vegetables. The biggest difference, besides size, is how they grow. With cabbage, we eat the head of the vegetable. Brussels sprouts, however, are harvested as the buds of a long, thick stalk.
As a cruciferous vegetable, Brussels sprouts offer several health benefits. For instance, they are high in fiber, antioxidants, and several vitamins and minerals: vitamins C and K, calcium, folate, potassium, and iron. A 1-cup serving of Brussels sprouts has only 56 calories, 0 grams of fat, and 11 carbohydrates but boasts 4 grams each of protein and fiber.