6 Brussels Sprouts Recipes Even Your Kids Will Eat (2024)

FAQs

Are Brussel sprouts good for kids? ›

Brussels sprouts can support kids' development. One reason is the folate content. Folate supports brain development. Brussels sprouts also help the promotion of healthy gut bacteria and gastrointestinal (stomach) wellbeing with its fiber content.

Research Fellow Lauren Chappell said, "Sulfur is responsible for the bitter sprout taste. As we age, we lose tastebuds, which can make them more palatable—potentially why adults who hated sprouts as children now embrace them in seasonal dishes.

Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? Go for it. “If you enjoy sprouts and can tolerate them, absolutely! They're lower in calories and contain a myriad of important nutrients” says Snyder.

Eating Brussels sprouts along with other good sources of fiber — like other vegetables, fruits, and whole grains — can help you meet your fiber needs. Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, which can promote regularity, support digestive health, and reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Try offering bite-sized or quartered pieces of brussels sprouts that have been cooked to a soft consistency for baby to practice picking up with their developing pincer grasp (where the thumb and forefinger meet). If you'd like to continue offering cooked brussels sprout halves, go for it.

3 Just keep in mind that Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, which can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and gas if you eat too many. 4 Read on to learn about the nutrition of Brussels sprouts and how to incorporate them into your diet.

Brussels sprouts are a nutritious vegetable in the cruciferous family. While they're often enjoyed cooked using methods like roasting, steaming, or boiling, you can also enjoy Brussels sprouts raw. The most common side effect of eating raw Brussels sprouts is that they may cause gas in some people.

A splash of lemon juice, or even apple cider vinegar, works wonders on bitter sprouts. Another key ingredient is fat, which helps Brussels sprouts to crisp up. This is why it's so popular to render bacon fat and cook Brussels sprouts in it, then add the bacon bits back in at the end.

Sprouts have been found to cause salmonella, e coli bacteria and virus attack in the body. This is caused when low quality sprouts are used. People have developed bouts of fever and diarrhea when low quality sprouts were consumed, and some people developed abdominal cramps.

Sprouted chickpeas can be eaten raw as a quick and nutritious snack or blended to make raw hummus. They can also be cooked into soups or veggie burgers. Chickpea sprouts are particularly high in protein and isoflavones, a phytoestrogen that may help treat menopause symptoms.

Can kids eat raw sprouts? ›

Absolutely do not let your baby eat raw sprouts because the baby's digestive system is still very weak, there will be problems with the digestive system. For young children, it should be pureed, cooked with porridge for baby food and cooked. For older children, feed them directly when cooked.

Eating a lot of Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies may help protect against cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidney, breast, bladder, and prostate. Crunchy veggies like Brussels sprouts may also help you stave off other health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

While broccoli may have a higher count of calories, fat, and carbs, it is richer in calcium, iron, and pantothenic acid (a B vitamin that does wonders for healthy hair), and has a bit more potassium. Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, are lower in sodium.

If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it's a sign of early spoilage. If you remove the blemished leaves and the interior looks OK, you can still use the sprout. However, if the interior leaves are also showing blemishes or yellowing, it's best to toss it (or compost it, if you can).

Brussels sprouts reach maturity 80 to 90 days after transplanting and 100 to 110 days after sowing seed depending on the variety.

If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it's a sign of early spoilage. If you remove the blemished leaves and the interior looks OK, you can still use the sprout. However, if the interior leaves are also showing blemishes or yellowing, it's best to toss it (or compost it, if you can).

Children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to these bacteria and should not eat any raw sprouts at all. They should also avoid eating cooked sprouts unless they can be sure the sprouts have been thoroughly cooked.