SALINAS, CA - I recently made dinner for a friend of mine, and my roasted Brussels sprouts in a cast iron skillet were dressed to impress. I can always count on this vegetable to make a splash at the dinner table, and Ippolito International is one supplier bringing product to plate. With the Brussels sprouts market ever in motion, I got in touch with the grower’s Katie Dozier, Brussels Sprouts Commodity Manager.
“We are just rounding the curve from steady pricing, and now getting into higher markets with increased demand. Of course, this is to be expected at this time of year,” Katie told me. “I would say the average price right now is lower than this time last year. The quality issues that the category had last year contributed to 2021’s higher prices. We will see pricing continue to rise, but I don’t expect to reach the heights we did last year.”
Ippolito International is currently in the peak of its Brussels sprouts season. This is the time of year when sprouts are the star of the show, and the Thanksgiving holiday is a big push for the vegetable.
Katie relayed that the heat wave we had a few months back did cause some issues, which Ippolito managed on the farm and at the plant. These effects were short-lived and didn’t seem to affect the market. And, as she mentioned, the impacts were not as severe as they were last year.
“Last year at this time, issues with insects and internal discoloration led to supply shortages and unfortunately, pro-rates—and this was during our busiest time of year,” Katie continued. “This year, the crop has shown exceptional quality and excellent supplies. We feel very fortunate to be in a position of strength during peak season. The well-known Queen Victoria quality and supply should be at top form and ready for Thanksgiving tables!”
Cast iron skillet or otherwise, this versatile vegetable is easy to prepare in a number of ways. One of the easiest cooking methods is on the stove top, and Ippolito has plenty of recipes to inspire shoppers in the kitchen, such as its Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Caramelized Shallots.
You can bet I will be bringing my Brussels sprouts to the Thanksgiving table this year, and your shoppers will be too.
