Does anyone much eat either rhubarb or Brussels sprouts in the USA ? I can find figures for production. The production seems quite small for such a big country. I don't recall seeing either on the menu in the US. Rhubarb does occur in France, but in Antibes it has only recently been noticeable as part of a sudden fashion for English dishes like rhubarb crumble. Brussels sprouts, in my experience, are only seen with any regularity in the north of France. They are an essential part of Christmas dinner in Britain. Traditionally they are harvested when the plants are frosted.The best rhubarb is grown inside entirely under cover but it has been a standard feature, grown outside, in British gardens for a very long time.

I've never had rhubarb, but it is sold at both the large chain grocery stores in my hometown. (I promise to buy a strawberry rhubarb pie this spring.) Brussels sprouts are fairly common at meals here. When I managed as full-service restaurant, I had Brussels sprouts as one of three daily vegetables about 15-20% of the time.

I don't think it has such a large consumer group. But I will say, I used to have rhubarb and brussel sprouts often when I lived in the states. Though I will agree with DG, brussel sprouts do seem to be a lot more common then rhubarb (though rhubarb tastes so much better).

Seems to me that rhubarb is a pretty unknown commodity in the US, very regional. I know that most places I've lived, many people would have some growing in their yard, but rarely knew what to do with it! I have probably taught 10 people over time, how to use rhubarb for pies, or even for just a wonderful sauce. Although I like it alot, I'm sure it's an aquired taste (I'm just glad I acquired it early in life )

Brussels Sprouts are quite common, but they seem to be among the "dreaded" veggies for family dinners, so probably don't sell as well as green beans and corn.

Now although I've always loved rhubarb, I don't recall liking brussels sprouts until I was an adult.

One can buy both here in the grocery stores.
I have a rhubarb patch next to the vegetable garden here, and can make a good rhubarb crumble.

As a child, I was forced to eat Christmas dinner with brussel sprouts, so that's one thing I gave up when I started cooking my own Christmas dinners. That and listening to the Queen's Speech.

quote:

Originally posted by dance girl:

As a child, I was forced to eat Christmas dinner with brussel sprouts, so that's one thing I gave up when I started cooking my own Christmas dinners. That and listening to the Queen's Speech.

Nobody listens to the Queen's Speech!They have the TV on that channel (tradition) but it happens at 3pm, so either everyone's eating and talking or they are drunk already (or both)

Anyway, we can write our own, from past performances (as read in newspaper later when looking for racing pages). It begins 'This year my husband and I visited [insert list of long forgotten countries formerly part of the Empire: pictures of dusky natives dancing,Her Maj receiving flowers, Duke looking bored] makes passing reference to own family [of necessity and diplomacy may be cut/ much abbreviated] and ends with wish that our families have a happy Christmas and New Year be peaceful[note: does not express or hope that our families be peaceful.One area where her personal experience matches her subjects'].Passing reference to God or 'blessed Christmas' optional [now usually omitted. She is the head of the Church of England, after all, so God not involved]

quote:

Originally posted by FredPuli:
Nobody listens to the Queen's Speech!They have the TV on that channel (tradition) but it happens at 3pm, so either everyone's eating and talking or they are drunk already (or both)

Yikes! It's almost as if you have been spying on my family!
Don't forget to mention the Christmas crackers and paper hats. The Queen's speech has to be received with all the solemnity it deserves, after all.
The Christmas cracker idea doesn't seem to be a North American tradition, and only adds to the view that the British are an odd bunch.

Excellent summary of the Speech, btw. I'm glad some things stay the same.

definetely agree. i live in the states and hardly ever come by brussel sprouts. occasionally find them placed on sandwiches at a health vegan restaurant but never see them at the grocery store. i am a fan though.

quote:

Originally posted by dance girl:

The Christmas cracker idea doesn't seem to be a North American tradition, and only adds to the view that the British are an odd bunch.

Just for you dance girl, to remind you of the Old Country ( all these from this year's table at the Puli house):

Q What's black,and white and red at the top?
A A sunburnt puffin !

Q How do you hire a horse?
A Stand it on four bricks!

Q What are brown and sneak around the kitchen at Christmas ?
A Mince spies !

Q What did the stamp say to the envelope?
A Stick with me and we'll go places

Q How many ears did Davy Crockett have?
A Three. A left ear, a right ear and a wild frontier

Q What did one wall say to the other wall?
A I'll meet you at the corner

Q Why do bees hum?
A Because they don't know the words!

Q What do you call a bee with a quiet hum?
A A mumble bee !

Q What do you call a man with a bulldozer on his head ?
A Squashed!

All that, with the bang from the indoor explosive in the cracker and a paper hat and a small gift

How can Americans not have Christmas crackers?

As Wikipedia says, Fred:

It is a running joke that all the jokes and mottos in crackers are not funny and unmemorable, along with being the same as those which have been used for many years past, resulting in most people either knowing or predicting the answers.

Worse still, you saved these jokes?

( Actually I found the Mince spies one quite funny! )

We can get Christmas crackers here in Canada. There are lots of Brits living here, pining for British traditions and food, as well as Christmas Crackers.
For the US members, in case they have never heard of them, this is what they are: Christmas Crackers