'Monster' Brussels Sprouts As Big As Golf Balls

Brussels sprouts as big as golf balls are hitting supermarket shelves thanks to higher temperatures this year in the UK.

Weighing 35g - more than twice the average - and 4cm wide, they are being dubbed "monster sprouts".

This will be good news for fans of the vegetable ahead of Christmas dinner in less than a month's time.

Some experts say larger ones could be chopped in half to aid the cooking process, and they could be roasted or boiled during the festive period.

Sprout farmer John Clappison, from Beverley in Yorkshire, told Sky News: "We've had lots of lovely sun this summer, plenty of rain and then we've had a nice mild autumn and the crop has grown really, really well."

Some people love sprouts, while others hate them - but Mr Clappison says their flavour has sometimes been altered to make them more appealing.

He said: "The modern varieties have been bred to be a sweeter, more palatable taste for the younger generation."

He added: "Various people say there is a genetic follow through in people - some people either can't stand them or love them.

"I know many people who love them and I think too many people have the idea that 'I don't like sprouts' but then when they try them they actually really do like them."