Broccoli and carrots are also among the most loved
(Picture: Gousto)The rivalries between those who love Brussels sprouts and those who don’t have become a British cultural phenomenon.
Some might argue that the reason the humble sprout is so disliked is because it has a reputation for not being cooked well. And there is also a scientific reason for hating the green veggie: in 2011, Cornwall College found sprouts contain a chemical, similar to phenylthiocarbamide, which only tastes bitter to people who have a variation of a certain gene.
But now, a Nationwide and Farmhouse Inns survey has revealed that more than half of Brits actually enjoy the divisive leafy green veg. They found that Brits’ favourite vegetable in their Christmas dinner is the humble Brussels, with one in five (20 per cent) placing the traditional green vegetable at the top of their list.
Emma Smith, senior marketing manager at Farmhouse Inns, said: “Sprouts are often a vegetable that divides a room, so the fact that they are the country’s favourite vegetable to include in a Christmas dinner is certainly surprising.”
The top five Christmas dinner vegetables according to the research are:
1. Brussels sprouts (20 per cent)
2. Broccoli (15 per cent)
3. Carrots (15 per cent)
4. Parsnips (14 per cent)
5. Peas (nine per cent)
And when it comes to the perfect Christmas plate? The nation has spoken. The preferred combination has three slices of turkey, four roast potatoes, three pigs in blankets, two Yorkshire puddings, three different types of vegetables (Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and carrots) as well as stuffing; all covered in gravy, of course.
The study also looked into Brits’ preferences when it comes to plating and enjoying the perfect Christmas dinner, as well as their plans for the big day. According to the research, the increased cost of living has had a major impact on this year’s festivities, with more than a third (34 per cent) of Brits admitting they plan to cook for fewer people this year to save on costs.
The younger generation is feeling the pinch the most, with more than half (51 per cent) of Gen Z adults (under-25) admitting they’ll be catering for fewer people for Christmas 2022.
However, the survey doesn’t seem to classify the roastie as a vegetable. Roast potatoes are said to be the most popular kind of potato to include in a Christmas dinner, with nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of UK respondents choosing the winter classic.
In fact, more than a quarter (26 per cent) of the nation believe roast potatoes are the single most important component of a Christmas dinner.
Turkey remains the nation’s preferred meat, with three in 10 Brits (30 per cent) choosing it as their favourite, followed by:
2. Chicken (22 per cent)
3. Beef (11 per cent)
4. Ham (eight per cent)
5. Lamb (four per cent)
