Brussels Sprouts

Commodity Overview

Brussels sprouts continue their climb to popularity, so encourage shoppers to forget what they think they know about Brussels sprouts and to try new recipes and flavors that will please the whole family.

PLUs

4550 regular
3083 stalk

Varieties

Green Brussels Sprouts

Purple Brussels Sprouts

Retail Price Data is based on USDA Specialty Crops Market News surveys. Data collection ends on the report date and encompasses ad pricing good from the Saturday before the report release date through the following Friday. Weekly data - from over 400 retailers, comprising more than 30,000 individual stores with online weekly advertised features - covers over 250 produce items. Registered (logged-in) users, can access weekly reports and additional market information.

USDA Specialty Crops Market News publishes FOB and Movement data on a daily and weekly basis. Pricing and volume information is aggregated by commodity and published weekly, subject to any source-data adjustments. Commodity data is further processed based on origin (domestic vs imports) and type (regular vs. organic). Registered (logged-in) users, can access weekly reports and additional market information.

Facts

Brussels sprouts have gained a lot of attention for their high nutrient content and are considered a “superfood.” Brussels sprouts contain several phytonutrients that have been shown to fight cancer. Those with high blood pressure can eat brussels sprouts to enhance their diets because brussels sprouts are low in sodium. Consumers can also get their vitamin C from brussels sprouts as they are high in this essential vitamin.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the following nutrient content descriptors for brussels sprouts: low-fat, saturated fat-free, very low sodium, cholesterol-free, low in calories, a good source of fiber, high in vitamin C and a good source of folate.

Sales Strategies

Brussels sprouts are perfect for cross-merchandising. Try pairing brussels sprouts with soup-making supplies, parmesan cheese, other cooking vegetables and olive oil.
Brussels sprouts are available year-round so create a promotion schedule that plays to that strength.
Fall: Brussels sprouts can add flavor and nutrition to soup so include them in soup vegetable displays as the weather turns cooler. Sauteed or roasted brussels sprouts also make a hearty side dish on a cool fall day.
Winter: Promote brussels sprouts as a unique alternative to green beans for holiday meal side dishes. Use them in post-New Year’s displays to attract the health-conscious consumer.
Spring: Promote brussels sprouts as a great side dish for the spring holiday meals, including Mother’s Day and Easter.
Summer: Brussels sprouts can be brushed with olive oil and grilled, so give them a push during the warm weather months as a great side dish for steak or chicken that can all be cooked on the grill.

Dynamic Displays

Display brussels sprouts on refrigerated surfaces to keep them cool. When brussels sprouts get warm, their leaves start to yellow.
Display brussels sprouts with other cooking vegetables. Go for a striking color contrast by placing them next to cauliflower or summer squash.
Many consumers may only think of boiled or steamed brussels sprouts. Offer samples of sautéed or roasted ones to show your consumers a new flavor.
On-the-stalk brussels sprouts add an appealing vertical element to your display. If brussels sprouts sell well in your store, consider adding the on-the-stalk variety.
Offer consumers plenty of information about how to prepare brussels sprouts.

Food Service

Serve brussels sprouts sautéed or roasted to offer a nutritious, tasty side dish.
Include brussels sprouts in soups and stews to add a new texture and flavor as well as plenty of nutrition.
Chop brussels sprouts and add them to a salad or salad bar for a unique flavor.

In the Backroom

Shipping
25-lb. cartons, loose 10-lb. flats and cartons, 16 12-oz. cello bags 8-lb. cartons, 12 10-oz. cups 6, 8 or 12 1-lb. clamshells 12 1-lb. mesh bags RPC 6411, 6419, 6420 Stalks 8 1-lb. clamshells 24 1-lb. vexar bags

Grades
U.S. No. 1 U.S. No. 2

Handling
Temperature: 32 F, 0 C Relative humidity: 95-100% Mist: yes Typical shelf life: 3 to 5 weeks Ethylene-sensitive. Do not store or transport with commodities that produce ethylene. Somewhat sensitive to freezing injury.