The fall season may elicit images of orange leaves and pumpkins for many, but my heart flies to roasted Brussels sprouts straight from the oven. As the ever-versatile cruciferous veg continues to take center stage in creative table spreads, what are the best ways to maximize the season and drive this category? Some of our industry friends burned to share their favorites, and the gold they’re spreading is sure to draw consumers in droves...
“Brussels sprouts are a darling of the dinner plate with so many delicious ways to enjoy them! We grow Brussels sprouts year-round, with the fall and winter holiday eating occasions driving higher demand. The Season & Steam value-added product line has become a year-round favorite for its quick prep times, easy flavor personalization, and the gentle steam in the microwave feature.
My favorite quick dish is using one of our Season & Steam packs to start and then either finishing them off by sautéing in a cast-iron skillet and popping them under the broiler, tossing them on the BBQ when we are cooking al fresco, or making them the center of the plate on top of farro with a simple protein on top. I’m a master at one bowl dinners, and this is the best.”
“Consumers continue to have a love affair with Brussels sprouts, and it’s no wonder given the number of creative recipes and styles of preparation. They are delicious, versatile, and no longer that same vegetable we grew up with. With year-round production in multiple regions, we now sell nearly as many Brussels sprouts in the summer months as we do in the winter. In addition, we now have the in-house capability to process halved and shaved sprouts as well as Brussels leaves.”
“Brussels sprouts have become a very trendy and versatile vegetable. They are available year-round allowing access to a tasty and healthy superfood. The popularity and growth have also made it easier to find fun recipes to try at home. As a mom of three, it is important that I provide nutritious vegetables for my children daily. The fact that they are versatile allows me to reintroduce them to my children in various ways, such as a side dish or as an ingredient in a salad! One of my favorite dishes is Brussels sprouts sautéed with onion and bacon!”
“Growing up, I was not a fan of ‘piccoli cavoli,’ which is what my Italian grandmother called them. Now, Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite side dishes. My wife is Canadian and a great cook, and she makes sure that Brussels sprouts make an appearance every year when we celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving. I love that they are a superfood but can be dressed up to taste more savory and rich—she always adds some bacon and bread crumbs when she makes them. The health benefits of Brussels sprouts are a great selling point for health-conscious consumers. At Veg-Fresh Farms, we are seeing a lot of promotable volume from October through December. We are proud to say that our Brussels sprouts program is California-grown during this time of year.”
“This fall, value-added Brussels sprouts continue to enjoy ‘new kid on the block’ status! And to nobody’s surprise, consumers want fool-proof ways to add this veg to their repertoire. As the category expands, the best way to capitalize on that growth is to offer both bulk and value-added. Our 1 lb washed-and-ready-to-cook Brussels sprouts package makes it easy with step-by-step instructions. Fall is the season for roasting, and our Brussels sprouts are great in the oven or can even be microwaved. It is also the time to offer your customers Brussels sprouts stalks, and in a big way! Consumers want to enjoy a festive holiday table, and Brussels-on-the-stalk is an easy way to make a statement during the fall and winter seasons.”
With expert advice from category pros, this year’s holiday season will be both memorable and flavorful. 
