Waitrose comes up trumps with a Brussels sprout for kids

But now one of the country’s leading supermarkets is hoping to introduce a new generation of festive diners to the Brussels sprout.

Waitrose has announced that it is to sell the vegetable in a sweeter “kid friendly” form in time for Christmas.

Managers at the supermarket revealed yesterday that they have been working with growers to create a milder-flavoured sprout for children, who have often rejected the festive staple because of its perceived bitter taste.

Research has suggested that children’s reluctance to eat Brussels sprouts could stem from the survival instinct, as harmful toxins tend to have a bitter taste.

But the sprouts devised by 
Waitrose contain twice as much vitamin C in every 100g as an orange.

Waitrose described the new sweeter sprouts as “a real crowd-pleaser and one that is bound to get a unanimous thumbs up from kids this Christmas”.

Amy Lance, chief sprout taster at Waitrose, said: “The humble Brussels sprout is a wonderful bundle of deliciousness, but so often overlooked by children or picky eaters.

“We have worked hard over the past year to develop this sprout which we believe will win over even the most ardent sprout haters.

“We hope it will get a massive thumbs up from children this Christmas and encourage them to eat their greens.”

The new version, clearly labelled with a red “kid friendly” sticker, will arrive in branches this week for a limited period in the run up to Christmas priced at £2.50 for 330g.