Brussel sprouts can be your best buds

Love them or hate them, there is no avoiding brussel sprouts when it comes to traditional festive fare. 

These controversial crucifers are bountiful right now and being a cold-season crop, a touch of frost is said to enhance their flavour and make them slightly sweeter.

They belong to the Brassica oleracea genus of the Cruciferae family and are close relatives to cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, turnip, kohlrabi and radish.Sprouts resemble miniature cabbage heads and grow in a spiral pattern up thick stalks that can range from two to four feet in height. The leaves on the top of the stem are tasty too and can be cooked like spring greens.