In our opinion, Brussels sprouts are icky.
Babies, toddlers, and teenagers have hated these earthy green veggies for eons.
And we can totally understand why.
If you're a parent, you'll know that getting your kids to eat them is always going to be a disaster.
These strange-looking vegetables are often termed as being gross and yucky.
Just one bite of it, and your kid's face is going to look like the Grinch.
That's because Brussels sprouts are incredibly bitter, and we all know how much kids appreciate food that tastes bitter.
However, some actually love the soft mushy things.
So, what do Brussels sprouts taste like?
What are Brussels Sprouts?
Contrary to popular belief, Brussels sprouts are NOT baby cabbages, so stop saying they are.
Although we do realize that the resemblance is totally uncanny.
They're both green and have leafy coverings with a soft bulky body in the middle.
Kind of like twins.
Brussels sprouts actually have a long European lineage which can be tracked down to the early 5th century.
It's difficult to believe that anyone would actually want to eat these tangy veggies, but apparently, people did.
It eventually started being cultivated in droves down in Brussels, Belgium, during the 13th century.
Yes, that's exactly where the name comes from.
Today, they are considered healthy vegetables that can be prepared and eaten in many ways - including as satisfying sides like those in brussels sprouts side dish ideas.
Kids still hate it, but adults who want to switch to healthy foods have been loving the taste.
It's a great nutrition-packed side dish.
What Do Brussels Sprouts Taste Like?
Brussels sprouts will taste differently depending on whether you're eating them raw or cooking them to perfection.
Although, the final verdict can be a little mixed.
Raw brussels sprouts will smash your tongue with a long-lasting bitter taste - similar to the crisp bite described in bean sprouts taste guide for crunch.
Remember that Grinch face we talked about? That's going to be you if you take a bite.
On the other hand, some people like it exactly for this reason; the strong pickle-like bitterness.
However, this seemingly straightforward vegetable has a trick up its sleeves, one that only comes out after roasting it.
That's when the delicious sweet flavor pops out and dazzles your tastebuds into wanting more.
The closes thing that Brussels sprouts taste like would be cabbages.
After tall, they both look alike, so isn't it obvious that they'll taste similar too? Maybe they're cousins; who knows?
Either way, Brussels sprouts do have a bittersweet tang to their flavor.
When cooked, foodies have termed the taste as being quite smokey and nutty.
So yeah, pretty much like cabbage, maybe a little bit like broccoli.
We're sure it has the best of both worlds.
So, if you're one of those veggie lovers who crave cabbages, broccoli, or capsicums, Brussels sprouts might just be your new favorite.
However, research shows that some people are sensitive to the bitter taste of Brussels sprouts.
These harmless-looking cabbage twins produce a unique chemical that tastes bitter to people with certain genetics.
What's even crazier is that half the world's population has this DNA which is vulnerable to the chemical.
Hence, the yucky and bitter taste.
How to Prepare and Cook Brussel Sprouts?
Cooking Brussels sprouts can be fun and exciting because it will actually put your abilities to the test.
Unlike most vegetables, they will actually speak to you and tell you how you did.
How's that, you ask? Well, the answer lies in their taste.
Depending on how you cook them, Brussels sprouts can taste delightfully sweet or horribly bitter.
So you'll know exactly how good or how bad you are at cooking them.
They should totally do a Masterchef challenge on these things.
Most people enjoy eating Brussels sprouts as a side dish or as something to add to their salad - try them alongside quick veggie sides under 12 minutes for speedy pairings.
However, you might want to make a Brussels sprout main dish as well, that is, if you're part of the half that can actually stand these things.
Roasted brussels sprouts with a mixture of spices is a great and flavourful way to enjoy these veggies.
You could also pan roast them and have them with tons of bacon, yummy.
Or better yet, how about a creamy and textured Brussel sprout gratin?
Even though half the population can't stand the taste, the other half loves them.
So thankfully, there are a lot of Brussels sprout recipes floating about on the internet.
Have a look to learn about some amazing dishes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you love them or can't stand them, you have to admit that Brussels sprouts are one interesting species of vegetable.
They have multiple layers of taste, which can totally transform into something else.
It all depends on how you cook them.
Of course, if you like something crunchy to have with your salad, you could always eat them raw as well.
Just be sure that you can actually handle all that tang.
Tiny, sprout-adjacent options exist. Tiny Powerhouses: alfalfa sprouts taste guide explores a milder crunch. Explore Alternatives: 5 best substitutes for brussel sprouts lists practical swap ideas when the menu needs options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Babies, toddlers, and teenagers have hated these earthy green veggies for eons. That's because Brussels sprouts are incredibly bitter, and we all know how much kids appreciate food that tastes bitter.
So, what do Brussels sprouts taste like?
The texture of Brussels Sprouts depends on how it is prepared. Raw, cooked, and processed forms each offer a distinct mouthfeel that changes the overall eating experience.
Is there a strong smell that comes with the taste?
Aroma and taste are closely linked.
A strong smell usually signals an equally bold flavor.
If the smell is mild, expect a subtler taste that becomes more apparent with seasoning.
Depends on the ingredient. Some improve dramatically with heat, developing sweetness or losing bitterness.
Others are best raw, where cooking dulls the brightness that makes them worth trying.