Brussels sprouts sold loose taste fabulous, whether steamed, microwaved or roasted. Now, more and more shops sell them pre-prepared in sealed bags, which presumably contain some inert gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen. However you cook them, these sprouts taste off. Is the gas affecting their flavour, or is this because the shelf life is extended and we are being sold produce that isn’t fresh?
Richard Kubiakm, Usk, Monmouthshire, UK
We pay £25 for every answer published in New ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´. To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.
Advertisement
Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.
ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´ retains total editorial control over the published content and reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format.
You can also submit answers by post to: The Last Word, New ÐÓ°ÉÔ´´, 25 Bedford Street, London WC2E 9ES.