Don’t toss the leaves from brussels sprouts stalks! Reduce food waste by learning how to pan fry brussels sprouts greens as a side dish.
Have you cooked with brussels sprouts leaves? Reduce food waste by using the leaves from the stalks of sprouts in place of other leafy greens in sauces, soups, and even as a side dish.
Brussels sprouts leaves are a perfectly edible leafy green that is a great replacement for chard or collard greens. In fact, the greens are great as a side dish on their own flavored with a bit of garlic and red pepper.
The top leaves and the stem are both edible and easy to prep. Brussels sprout leaves are very nutritious. Trim them from the top of the stalk, rinse, and dry. Toss the leaves into a healthy salad, or sauté them as a tasty side dish with bacon, onions and garlic.
❓ Questions + quick tips about cooking carrot leaves
The leaves on the stalks of brussels sprouts are not only edible, but they’re delicious. Brussels sprouts leaves are not poisonous, and in fact they are a nutritious green that tastes similar to collard greens.
Brussels sprouts and brussels leaves and stems are all edible. However, the part of the stem that is closest to the root is typically very stiff and doesn’t soften when cooking. These unused stems and greens are perfect for flavoring stock.
Brussels sprouts tops re a healthy leafy green that are high in vitamin K, vitamin A, and have about 90 calories per serving (about 1 cup of chopped greens) (USDA Food Nutrient Database).
Brussels sprouts leaves can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Simply remove the greens from the thickest part of the stem, and then wash and dry them before storing in an airtight freezer bag wrapped in a kitchen cloth or paper towel.
How to pan fry the leaves of brussels sprouts stalks (step-by-step)
The first step to sautéing brussels sprouts greens is to cut them from the stalk and wash. Because brussels sprouts leaves are large and heavy, they often lay on the dirt when growing which means they are usually dirty and could use a good wash before eating.
First cut leaves from the brussels sprouts stalk, then cut the stiff stems right under where the greens start to grow. The stems are perfectly edible, but can sometimes be very tough so we want to use the softer stem areas, which are right under where the leaves begin to grow.
To wash brussels sprouts leaves: Fill a large mixing bowl with cold water and submerge the leaves on their stems for a few minutes, stirring or moving the leaves around with your hands to make sure as much dirt is removed as possible.
Creative ways and recipes to eat Brussels sprout tops and leaves
FAQ
Are all parts of a brussel sprout plant edible?
What can I do with the outer leaves of brussel sprouts?
What are the health benefits of brussel sprout leaves?
Can you eat Brussels sprout leaves raw?
Yes, you can eat Brussels sprout leaves raw. They are packed with nutrients like vitamins C and K, and have a slightly bitter flavor. They can also be cooked in various ways for different taste experiences. Are Brussels sprout leaves more nutritious than the sprouts themselves?
What do Brussels sprouts and spinach have in common?
Both are dark green leafy vegetables, which give them rich in soluble fiber and high magnesium content. They are also rich in other vitamins and minerals, such as iron, calcium and phosphorus and vitamins A, K and the B complex. They help reduce blood pressure, help protect eye health, strengthen immunity and contribute to the well-being of the nervous system.
Can you toss Brussels sprouts leaves?
Don’t toss the leaves from brussels sprouts stalks! Reduce food waste by learning how to pan fry brussels sprouts greens as a side dish. Prepare brussels sprouts greens: First cut leaves from the brussels sprouts stalk, then cut the stiff stems right under where the greens start to grow.
How do you eat Brussels sprouts?
While very similar to collard greens in look, Brussels sprouts leaves are much more tender, so they require less cooking time. Shred the leaves and used them in salads. Steam them and add them to a stir-fry recipe. You can even add them to a green smoothie for an extra healthy kick.