Are Brussel Sprouts Root Vegetables?
Brussel sprouts are one of those vegetables that divides opinion, with those who favour them extolling their deliciousness and those who don’t swearing off them for life. But regardless of whether you like them or loathe them, another interesting question to ask about them is “are Brussel sprouts root vegetables?”
What are Root Vegetables?
Root vegetables are vegetables which grow beneath the ground, as opposed to vegetables which grow above ground such as tomatoes or cauliflower. As their name suggests, root vegetables consist of the root systems of crops.
Are Brussel Sprouts Root Vegetables?
In one respect, the answer is yes. Technically speaking, Brussel sprouts fall under the umbrella category of root vegetables. While they technically have root systems where they are attached to the ground, they are commonly seen and referred to as shoots (ie the individual sprouts).
Examples of Root Vegetables
Other root vegetables include:
- Beets
- Parsnips
- Carrots
- Turnips
- Radishes
- Potatoes
- Garlic
Though Brussel sprouts are technically a root vegetable, they are not commonly referred to as one and traditionally, root vegetables are those which grow beneath the ground and consist of only the root system.
So to answer the question, yes, Brussel sprouts are a root vegetable, but only in the broadest terms.
