Brussels Sprouts Recipes

Cole crops prefer cool temps

"Cole crops" is a general term used for vegetables in the mustard family, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, and kohlrabi. They are cool-season vegetables that prefer 60 to 70 degree temperatures for optimal growth. Cole crops perform best in full sun and well-drained soils with pH of 6 to 7. Crop rotation should be used to reduce disease problems, generally not planting cole crops in the same space more often than once every four years.

Both spring and fall crops of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kohlrabi can be planted. Brussels sprouts perform best as a fall crop. Spring crops of broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are established by setting out transplants in early to mid-April in Iowa. Fall crops of broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can be started indoors or direct seeded outdoors in early July. Brussels sprouts should be started indoors in mid-July and transplanted outside in late August. Collards and kale are usually seeded directly in the garden in late March or April for a summer crop and again in July for a fall crop. Kohlrabi is usually direct seeded in late March to mid-April for a late spring crop or in July for a fall crop. Space broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage transplants 18 to 24 inches apart. Plant collard seedlings 12 inches apart. Fertilize with an all-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, at planting and again in about 3 to 4 weeks.

Most cole crops have shallow root systems and require weekly irrigation if rainfall doesn't provide one inch of water per week. A 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as straw, helps control weeds and conserves soil moisture.

Cauliflower heads exposed to sunlight are cream-colored to light green. If white heads are desired, they may need to be blanched. Blanching eliminates light penetration to the developing flower buds, thus giving them a white color. When the heads are 2 inches across, loosely tie the inner leaves over the heads with large rubber bands, cloth strips, or twine. The heads develop rapidly after tying and are generally ready to harvest within 1 to 2 weeks.

Broccoli and cauliflower plants exposed to stressful growing conditions may form heads prematurely. This development is called buttoning. Stressful conditions that may lead to buttoning include exposure to prolonged periods of temperatures below 50 degrees F, dry conditions, and infertile soils. Plants that button do not form usable heads.

Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe | With Parmesan Cheese ...

Brussels sprouts are a vegetable that most adults have few fond memories of. However, they're extremely high in protein, fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamin A. When combined with whole grains, these sprouts can provide the same full-range spectrum of amino acids that are found in meats (which are higher in fat).

This recipe roasts Brussels sprouts in a complimenting balsamic vinaigrette dressing of your choice, topped with toasted pine nuts and Parmesan cheese. It's a flavorful, adult twist to a dish that may even have your kids asking for seconds, too.

Ingredients:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In large bowl, toss together the Brussels sprouts, olive oil, and balsamic vinaigrette. Dump Brussels sprouts onto a large, shallow roasting pan. Roast in preheated oven at 450 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring around a few times during the cooking time. The sprouts should be nicely browned.

Toast the pine nuts just before sprouts are done roasting. Place pine nuts in a dry, unoiled skillet over medium heat and toss until lightly browned, then remove from heat. Remove sprouts from oven when done and dump into large bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, salt, and pine nuts, then toss and serve hot.

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