The Great Disappointment

I must confess to having a passion for Brussels sprouts. Steamed till just cooked, but still a little firm, then tossed in good butter with freshly cracked pepper, they are a true delight.

Well spring has sprung, and the days are getting warmer and longer. But, alas, Brussels sprout season is coming to a close.

Yesterday I was in Safeway in Wang when I was nearly skittled by an overflowing trolley being recklessly driven down an aisle. I didn’t get the number plate of the trolley, or see the driver's face, but I did spot a packet of frozen Brussels sprouts in the load.

Well this opens a possibility I thought: year round Brussels sprouts. So I went back to the frozen vegetables area, and found them. I could not believe it: Product of Belgium. The real thing! So I bought a pack, and headed for home and lunch.

They were dainty little sprouts, about the size of a thumbnail. I followed the cooking instructions exactly. When they were done I tossed then in butter and pepper. They looked like limp little balls of scrunched-up green cellophane. I bit into one, and it seemed to have the texture limp scrunched-up cellophane might have. I have not eaten limp scrunched-up cellophane yet, but I now have a good idea of what it might taste like.

I must say that I found all this a major disappointment. But then I decided to spend some time being philosophical. I think that Paradise can only exist if one has lower reference points. I have discovered the Brussels sprout nadir, and realised that we should be more content and rejoice in what we have, and not want too much in life – life is not meant to be non-stop Brussels sprouts.

When opening the packet of sprouts I dropped one on the floor. Vivo gave it a few bats around the carpet, then decided that it was more fun to chase Maddie. Vivo doesn't need philosophy.