The Long Island Improved Brussels Sprout is a celebrated variety known for its high yield and flavorful sprouts. It's a compact plant, suitable for smaller gardens, offering a nutty, slightly sweet taste with a hint of bitterness. This variety thrives in cooler climates, with its flavor enhancing after a light frost, making it a favorite for fall and winter harvests.
The history of the Long Island Improved Brussels Sprout traces back to the late 19th century in Long Island, New York. While Brussels sprouts themselves have ancient origins, possibly cultivated since Roman times and popularized in Belgium around the 1500s, the Long Island variety was developed to suit local growing conditions. This strain became notable for its productivity and taste, contributing to its widespread cultivation across the U.S. by gardeners and farmers alike, embracing its ability to produce in cooler weather conditions.