iPhone app iPad app Android phone app Android tablet app More

Why Hating Brussels Sprouts Could Be In Your DNA

Brussels Sprouts

Huffington Post UK   Simon Crisp First Posted: 25/12/11 09:40 GMT Updated: 25/12/11 09:40 GMT

Amazing
 Inspiring
 Funny
 Scary
 Hot
 Crazy
 Important
 Weird

Researchers say there's a genetic explanation why some people love Brussels sprouts -- while others would rather eat a rubber shoe with their Christmas dinner.

Scientists from the Eden Project have been testing a theory that a love or hate of the divisive vegetable comes down to your DNA.

It's been claimed that a particular mutated gene -- which is present in about half of the world's population -- decides whether or not we will like sprouts.

People with the mutation are said not to taste the bitterness of the Brussels sprouts, caused by a bitter chemical similar to PTC (Phenylthiocarbamide) and are therefore more likely to enjoy them.

A spokesperson for the team told the Metro: (http://www.metro.co.uk/news/885718-if-you-hate-brussels-sprouts-it-could-be-in-your-dna-say-scientists) "Christmas dinner isn't usually associated with science.

"This hands-on project helps to do exactly that, as it explores why some people like and some hate Brussels sprouts."

FOLLOW HUFFPOST UK

Researchers say there's a genetic explanation why some people love Brussels sprouts -- while others would rather eat a rubber shoe with their Christmas dinner. Scientists from the Eden Project have...
Researchers say there's a genetic explanation why some people love Brussels sprouts -- while others would rather eat a rubber shoe with their Christmas dinner. Scientists from the Eden Project have...
Related News On Huffington Post:
 

 
 
  • Comments
  • 28
  • Pending Comments
  • 0
  • View FAQ
Post Comment Preview Comment
To reply to a Comment: Click "Reply" at the bottom of the comment; after being approved your comment will appear directly underneath the comment you replied to.
View All
Favorites
Recency  | 
Popularity
Page: 1 2  Next ›  Last »  (2 total)
photo
spongebobspants
2 Fans
12:48 PM on 07/02/2012
in my youth i used to cup my brussels sprout farts and throw them in my sisters direction
Permalink  |
photo
gimmeanamethen
saying it like it is
80 Fans
 
04:08 AM on 07/02/2012
How can it be in your D.N.A? i hated brussel sprouts when i was younger, now i love them.

sunday roast... sprouts covered in thick gravy, and later in the evening they help to get rid of unwanted in-laws (parrrph!)
Permalink  |
photo
Wonder FoodBlog
0 Fans
09:30 AM on 01/04/2012
Amazing! Food definately is a very personal thing. http://wonderfoodblog.com
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
Jasmine Tokuda
82 Fans
07:12 AM on 12/27/2011
I've always hated them. About ten years ago, I was visiting a friend on a farm and she harvested them immediately before cooking, and lightly steaming them. I still didn't like them, but hated them less. I tried them again on Christmas, and was able to eat a few, but I still prefer practically any other vegetable.
Permalink  |
Muddydalek
3 Fans
10:33 AM on 12/26/2011
What a load of Brussels!!!! If you don't like them, don't buy them, it's that simple.
Permalink  |
starsmiledust
1 Fans
03:59 AM on 12/26/2011
My most horrific school dinner memory ever - Brussel Sprouts: the crack cocaine of vegetables. Even vegetarians don't eat sprouts.
Permalink  |
rr78
61 Fans
12:47 AM on 12/26/2011
I love brussels sprouts! But, and a big but, they need to have been properly stored or frozen. Leave the fresh ones too long, they get moldy or just not good-tasting. If not frozen at their peak and kept hard frozen, they'll be pretty bad (applies to all frozen veggies). They're great in stews, soups, with a white sauce with lots of onions - yummmm!

Broccoli is also a great veg. Can't understand how some people don't like it.
Permalink  |
cdnman
Still a free spirit...
2278 Fans
11:31 PM on 12/25/2011
When you boil them they stink like someone let go a terrible beer fart lol
Permalink  |
photo
Loki Laufeyson
If everybody had empathy, there would be no crime.
274 Fans
11:24 PM on 12/25/2011
If you roast them in the oven with a bit of olive oil, they are almost palatable.
Permalink  |
photo
Newfoundlander
I'm a pessimist, an optimist with experience!
485 Fans
10:52 PM on 12/25/2011
I thought I hated brussel sprouts, until I had them lightly steamed. I realized then that it was the boiling them into a mushy submission that I hated, but I actually liked the sprouts.
Permalink  |
Mystic335494129
13 Fans
 
08:06 AM on 12/26/2011
It does depend on how they are cooked like most vegetables being cooked to a mush sounds disgusting
There are some veg I do not like ie parsnips but cooked in a different way ie roasting etc then yum lol
Permalink  |
photo
Prove It theres no test
45 Fans
10:45 PM on 12/25/2011
Is it the same for Will Young!
Permalink  |
photo
jokamachi
8096 Fans
08:12 PM on 12/25/2011
Brussels Sprouts are the bomb.
Permalink  |
photo
HUFFPOST SUPER USER
IzzyViolet
37 Fans
07:51 PM on 12/27/2011
More like a stink bomb.
Permalink  |
nwalibran
A sensible thinking Libran
42 Fans
07:27 PM on 12/25/2011
Can't say if I like them or not.......I never had any, but they don't look all that appetizing.
Permalink  |
photo
Harvey L
17 Fans
07:21 PM on 12/25/2011
Or it could be that its something to do with Brussels!
Permalink  |
meffy154
9 Fans
05:51 PM on 12/25/2011
I like sprouts. Didn't used too but do now. Guess my d,n,a must have changed.
Permalink  |
Mystic335494129
13 Fans
 
08:03 AM on 12/26/2011
Me too lol
Permalink  |
 
Page: 1 2  Next ›  Last »  (2 total)