Seasonal Produce – Brussels Sprouts

BRUSSELS SPROUTS ARE leafy green vegetables that closely resemble miniature heads of cabbage and consist of tightly packed layers of leaves.

It is quite common to find small insects—such as aphids and cabbage worms—hidden inside Brussels sprouts, especially in the crevices, beneath the layers, and deep within the sprout head.  Because of this layered structure, simply washing the surface of each sprout is not sufficient, as  insects may be concealed between the layers and not visible.

To ensure insect-free Brussels sprouts, follow this procedure:

• SEPARATE ALL LEAVES AND LAYERS by cutting each sprout in half and gently pulling apart the layers with your fingers.
• SOAK IN WATER with veggie wash or liquid soap for 5 minutes. While soaking, gently rub each leaf between your fingers.
• REMOVE THE SPROUTS from the water by lifting them out with both hands in  small, loose bunches. Rinse thoroughly under running water.
• INDIVIDUALLY RINSE AND RUB each leaf on both sides under a strong stream of water.
• SOAK AGAIN in clean, soap-free water for approximately 3 minutes while agitating gently.
• POUR THE WATER through a mesh cloth and inspect the cloth under a strong overhead light or lightbox.

If insects are found, repeat the process until the mesh cloth is completely insect-free.

If insects are still present after the third inspection, the Brussels sprouts should not be used.

To access the complete Vegetable Checking Guide, visit www.ok.org/vegetable-guide or download it on the App Store or Google Play.