In a twist that no one saw coming, brussels sprouts are more popular than ever, with new stats showing that the humble vegie has shirked its daggy reputation.

The new numbers come from the latest edition of the Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook, which tracks agricultural trends yearly. Hort Innovation research and development general manager Dr Anthony Kachenko said the figures show a quarter of Aussies are eating sprouts on a regular basis.

The surprise new Aussie favourite has increased in popularity over the last few years, however, this year’s harvest has blown all expectations out of the water. From 2022-23, the once-maligned brassica had a 53 percent surge at the supermarket, with more and more shoppers opting for the tasty and affordable little gems.

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Long relegated to the dinner tables of the hesitant and the holiday season, brussels sprouts have found favour with a new audience appreciative of their versatility and nutritional benefits. Once maligned for their perceived bitterness, mushy texture and “you’re not leaving this table until…”, memories, exciting cooking techniques and a more adventurous national palate have unlocked the vegie’s true potential.

A key driver of this resurgence is a growing trend towards healthier eating habits and – just like everything else – the cost of living. Brussels sprouts, packed with vitamins, fibre, and antioxidants, align with a more mindful emphasis on nutritious, whole foods. Moreover, many shoppers of 2024 have grown up not with sprouts boiled to within an inch of their lives, but with shredded salads, sprouts fried with lardon and balsamic and the chestnutty flavour of the sprouts well intact.

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“As the fastest-growing vegetable in 2022/23 in terms of value, there is no denying the humble brussels sprout is making a comeback,” said Kachenko.

“Our data shows that per capita consumption of brussels sprouts jumped 46 percent in the past year.”

Social media and food influencers have also played a pivotal role in reshaping the brussels sprout’s image. By showcasing creative preparations and highlighting their role in farm-to-table dining, these platforms have helped rebrand the vegetable. Talk about the PR makeover of the century.

How to cook brussels sprouts

Step away from the boiling water! There are so many ways to prepare brussels sprouts to create delicious dishes – shaved into a salad, fried with bacon, steamed and dressed with lemon – however, to get the most out of your sprouts there are a couple of handy hints.

Peel away any woody or damaged external leaves. If cooking the sprouts whole, timing the stalks and carving a small ‘X’ in the core can help for an even cook. Need inspiration? Check out our favourite sprout recipes here.

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