You either love them or hate them - but one company hopes to make the humble brussel sprout appealing to all.

Growing market - Peter Miller of Kings Seeds in Kelvedon with the purple brussels sprouts seeds. Picture: NICK OBANK (46454-1)

Purple sprouts could be dished out on dinner plates this Christmas.

The brightly-coloured alternative to the usually green sprout is available at Kings Seeds company at Monks Farm, Kelvedon.

The purple vegetable has actually been around for years but now Kings hopes to sow seeds for a wider market.

Peter Miller, purchasing manager, said: "It's something which has always been about. We have had it in our catalogue for years and years."

Mr Miller said the purple sprout, called Red Rubine, dated back to the 1780s. Over the last ten years, there has been more interest in growing novelty veg.

"People like to see different-coloured things on their plate than they did ten to 20 years ago. And the festive veg has something to sprout about - it is good for you."

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Published Friday, November 25, 2005

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