Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: Food Health Healthy Food
Where:: Belgium
Date change rule:: Every April
Holiday emoji:: 🥬

Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month arrives every April, celebrating these versatile and nutrient-packed vegetables. Originating from Belgium, these cruciferous powerhouses offer endless culinary possibilities. Explore new recipes, support local growers, and challenge yourself to incorporate more greens into your diet this month.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Brands
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Celebrate

Expected Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month Deals

Throughout Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month, expect grocery retailers to highlight these healthy greens with special promotions. Last year saw deals at Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s on fresh produce, while meal kit services like HelloFresh and Blue Apron featured Brussels sprouts and cabbage prominently in their April menus. Keep an eye out for discounts on frozen varieties from brands like Green Giant and recipe inspiration from food bloggers. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as April approaches.

Platform Guide for Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #BrusselsSproutsAndCabbageMonth. Share vibrant photos of your favorite recipes and healthy meal prep.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #BrusselsSproutsAndCabbageMonth. Create quick recipe videos, cooking hacks, or fun facts about these veggies.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #BrusselsSproutsAndCabbageMonth. Share community-focused recipe exchanges or health benefits.

Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month Hero

The City of Brussels

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is widely credited as the birthplace of the vegetable known as Brussels sprouts. Historical records suggest these miniature cabbages were cultivated in the region as early as the 13th century, gaining popularity by the 16th century. The city's rich agricultural heritage and ideal growing conditions fostered the development and widespread adoption of this distinctive cruciferous vegetable, forever linking its name to the global culinary landscape.

History of Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month

Although native to the Mediterranean region along with other cabbage species, Brussels sprouts initially appeared in northern Europe during the 5th century, subsequently being farmed in the 13th century near Brussels, Belgium, from where they got their name. During the 16th century, they were popular in southern Netherlands, and their appeal soon expanded to the cooler portions of northern Europe.

Brussels sprouts belong to the same genus as broccoli, cabbage, collard greens, kale, and kohlrabi, and are classified as a cultivar group. Purple cabbage hybrids are crossbred with normal green cabbage. A Dutch botanist developed Brussels sprouts in the 1940s, resulting in a variant with some of the purple colors of red cabbage and a higher taste. Hans van Doorn, a Dutch scientist, discovered the compounds that make Brussels sprouts sour in the 1990s. This enabled Dutch seed firms to cross-breed historical low-bitterness types with modern high-yield varieties, resulting in a considerable increase in the vegetable’s popularity over time.

The first Brussels sprouts in the U.S. were brought to Louisiana by French settlers in the 18th century. The Central Coast of California had its first plantings in the 1920s, but it wasn’t until the 1940s that considerable production began there. California’s coastal regions are currently home to thousands of acres worth of crops. Brussels sprouts are a common vegetable in grocery stores, but they aren’t as common in home gardens. This is probably because they aren’t the easiest vegetables to grow. As a cool-season crop, they do best when cultivated in the fall or early winter, and require an 80–100-day growing season.

Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month timeline

5th Century

The Brussels Sprouts are Born

Farmers in northern Europe discover the Brussels sprouts.

13th Century

The Cultivation Begins

Brussels sprouts are cultivated and grown in large quantities.

16th Century

There’s a European Expansion

Brussels sprouts start being exported to other parts of Europe.

1940s

The Invention of Brussels Sprouts Hybrids

Different versions of Brussels sprouts are cultivated commercially in the U.S.

1990s

The Emergence of a Sweeter Breed

Scientists begin to cross-breed the Brussels sprouts to produce sweeter versions.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month

Local restaurants and cafes can feature special menus highlighting Brussels sprouts and cabbage throughout April, from roasted side dishes to unique salads and stir-fries. Grocery stores can create eye-catching displays with fresh produce, offer cooking demonstrations, and share recipe cards. Farmers’ markets are ideal for showcasing local growers and their freshest varieties, encouraging community engagement around healthy eating.

Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month FAQs

When is Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month?

In 2027, Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month will again be celebrated during the entire month of April. It’s a perfect time to embrace nutritious recipes and support local produce.

What are the health benefits of Brussels sprouts and cabbage?

These cruciferous vegetables are excellent sources of essential vitamins and minerals, supporting immune function and digestive health. Their low-calorie, high-fiber content also makes them a great choice for weight management.

How popular are Brussels sprouts and cabbage?

Consumer interest in healthy, plant-forward eating continues to drive demand for both Brussels sprouts and cabbage. Their adaptability in various cuisines, from salads to stir-fries, maintains their steady presence on dinner tables across the U.S. and beyond.

Where did Brussels sprouts originate?

Named after the Belgian capital, Brussels sprouts have a long history rooted in European agriculture. Their development into the distinct miniature cabbage we know today is strongly tied to the culinary and farming traditions of the Brussels area.

Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month Activities

Prepare a Brussels Sprouts dinner
Cook a big cabbage or Brussels sprouts dish for dinner and enjoy leftovers the next day. You can also invite friends over to enjoy.
Make some salad
Make a big salad with shredded cabbage and Brussels sprouts for lunch. It can be eaten on its own or enjoyed with fish, fruits, or cheese.
Whip up a bowl for dinner
Enjoy a bowl of warm, sauteed cabbage or Brussels sprouts as a side dish with dinner. Enjoy the dish with your favorite toppings for dinner or just eat a bowlful as a midnight snack.

5 Amazing Facts About Belgium

Europe’s first skyscraper is there
The building, which is now called Boerentoren or KBC Tower, was the tallest on the continent until 1940.
The country’s divorce rate is high
Only Latvia and Lithuania have a higher divorce rate than Belgium, which is around 70%.
You’ll find the world’s longest tram line
The Kusttram goes all the way along the 42 miles of Belgian coast between the French and Dutch borders, making some 68 stops and running every 10 minutes during summer peak hours.
Largest population in Europe with cable
About 97% of homes in Belgium have cable T.V.
It holds the world record for castles
Belgium has more castles than any other country in the world per kilometer.

Why We Love Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage Month

Its the perfect vegan diet
It's a great way to get your greens in. Both Brussels sprouts and cabbages are packed with vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
It’s a solid member of the cabbage family
Brussels sprouts and cabbage can be cooked in a variety of ways. These makes them very versatile ingredients to keep in your pantry.
It’s an affordable vegetable option
They are affordable! Cabbage is a budget-friendly vegetable, and Brussels sprouts are becoming more affordable as well.