Sprout tops are the crowns of loosely packed leaves that grow at the top of the Brussels sprout stalk. The sprout tops are cut off to encourage the growth of the sprouts on the stalk – much like pinching out tomatoes. Once seen only as a grower’s perk, we think they are the best part of the plant. Pleasantly bitter, like good kale, but less dense than a winter cabbage.
Treat them as mini, open-hearted cabbages, shredding and sautéing, boiling or adding to stews.