ABSTRACT
I. BRUSSELS SPROUTS Brussels sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. germifera) are one of the many variations of cabbage; instead of a single head at the top of the stem, a large bud or miniature head is borne in the axil of each leaf so that little heads are distributed all along a tall stem, which is crowned with a cluster of loose leaves (1). The little solid heads, or "sprouts," 1-2 inches in diameter, are tender and delicious. They are prepared for the table in the same manner as cabbage and are a popular frozen product. This crop has been grown in the vicinity of Brussels, Belgium (hence its name), for hundreds of years and is an important vegetable in most European countries, particularly England. Outside of Europe the importanmce of Brussels sprouts is rather limited, though Australia and California grow the crop widely.
