Brussels sprouts may be one of the least understood vegetables in the produce bin. Although they’re members of the cabbage family, they’re not miniature cabbages — and they have a taste all their own.

Properly prepared Brussels sprouts have a sweet, nutty flavor. Cook them right and they won’t turn into the overcooked, mushy vegetable you might remember from your school cafeteria days!

Look for firm, tightly compacted, bright green sprouts. Store them in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for no more than three days. Brussels sprouts develop a stronger, slightly bitter flavor when stored too long.

Remove any yellow or withered leaves. Trim the stem end. Cutting an X in the stem end helps Brussels sprouts cook faster and more evenly.

The number one rule for cooking Brussels sprouts is: Do not overcook them! Brussels sprouts should be cooked just until they’re crisp-tender. You can roast Brussels sprouts, microwave in a small amount of water, or boil or steam them. Here are few more ideas on ways to cook Brussels sprouts:

• Nutty Brussels sprouts: Halve Brussels sprouts lengthwise. Cook in a small amount of butter in a large skillet until sprouts are crisp-tender (about 10 minutes). Top with chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Steam Brussels sprouts just until fork tender, but not mushy or soft (about six minutes). Drain. Dice four strips of bacon and fry until crisp. Remove bacon and all but 1 to 2 teaspoons of bacon drippings. Cook the Brussels sprouts in the bacon drippings a minute or two until heated. Remove from pan and top with cooked bacon.
• Cut trimmed Brussels sprouts into thin strips. Stir-fry quickly in a small amount of oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Steam Brussels sprouts just until fork tender. Drain and sauté with butter and sliced mushrooms.

Brussels sprouts are high in vitamins A and C and fiber. Like other vegetables in the cabbage family, they have phytochemicals that may help prevent certain types of cancer.

Give these little veggies a chance to show you what they can do! With the right cooking methods, Brussels sprouts can make a delicious addition to your vegetable hit parade.