The Shocking Size Of The World's Heaviest Brussels Sprout - Mashed

The Shocking Size Of The World's Heaviest Brussels Sprout - Mashed,People either really love or really loathe Brussels sprouts. Either way, everyone will be shocked at the size of the world's largest Brussels sprout.

The Shocking Size Of The World’s Heaviest Brussels Sprout – Mashed

It seems that many people love to loathe Brussels sprouts. A 2020 poll by Perspectus Global (via The Courier) found that this diminutive green ball was the UK’s most hated vegetable, while Fox News revealed that a OnePoll survey gave this sprout the fourth spot on a list of America’s 10 least favorite veggies.

What is it about this seemingly harmless orb that inspires so much ire? It is, after all, rather cute as far as vegetables go. Some, in fact, refer to it as a baby cabbage. That sounds loveable, doesn’t it? One noticeable trait that the Brussels sprout possesses is a rather pungent odor when being cooked. There are ways to make Brussels sprouts more appealing though. Cookbook author, Shirley Corriher, told The Cookful that the best way to avoid this odor is to cook them in under five minutes by pan-frying or roasting them.

Another common complaint is that they’re mushy. Turns out that’s because you’ve been cooking them all wrong. Matthew Rawson, Brassica Growers Association Chairman, told The Telegraph that boiling a Brussels sprout and cutting an “X” across the bottom makes them absorb far “too much water.” He says the best way to master Brussels sprouts is to steam, sauté, or microwave them.

And, of course, there are those that love the humble Brussels sprout just the way it is — so much so that they have used this misunderstood vegetable to shatter Guinness World Records.

This Brussels sprout weighed as much as a Fox Terrier

Serhiibobyk/Getty Images

As previously mentioned, the wee Brussels sprout is often referred to as a “baby cabbage.” It’s unlikely, however, that the Guinness World Records’ heaviest Brussel sprout was ever called “baby.” Back in 1992, the United Kingdom’s Bernard Lavery grew a giant sprout that weighed a whopping 18 pounds, 3 ounces. If it’s hard to envision exactly how much 18 pounds is, here are a few comparisons.

According to Bowling Guidance, the heaviest regulation bowling ball is just 16 pounds. Yes, this veggie weighed more than a bowling ball. The American Kennel Association says a male Fox Terrier weighs about 18 pounds. If you’ve ever picked up one of these pooches, you’ve lifted the equivalent of Lavery’s Brussels sprout. That would make for one giant roasted Brussels sprout dish.

And Lavery isn’t the only person to have set a Brussels sprout-related Guinness World Record. The outlet says that Sweden’s Linus Urbanec set a 2008 record for the most Brussels sprouts consumed in 60 seconds, devouring an impressive 31. Now, there’s someone who loves their sprouts.

If you’re willing to revisit the Brussels sprout and give them another try, perhaps this air fryer parmesan Brussels sprouts recipe is the answer. Enjoy.