It is likely to repulse as many people as it attracts. But Brussels sprouts could be due a revival after Marks & Spencer revealed that sprout juice would be put on its shelves in time for Christmas.
The retailer is also introducing sprout coleslaw as part of its festive range, to accompany turkey dishes and sandwiches.
It says the sprout drink will be the first of its kind and is intended to capitalise on the growing popularity of vegetable juice.
An edible cheese board, made from crackers, will also form part of Marks & Spencer’s Christmas range, as well as a “Christmas dinner in a pie”, complete with turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets and cranberry sauce.
The retailer said the innovations followed the “success” of its “fish and chips pie” launched earlier this year.
The dish is an all-butter short-crust pastry pie filled with cod chunks, minted pea purée, and béchamel tartar sauce, with chips layered in sea salt acting as a lid on the top of the dish.
For dessert, M&S is offering a Christmas cake trimmed with LED lights to create a glowing centrepiece.
Among themed drinks are a "gold G&T" - a gin infused with tea and containing gold flakes - and a “Christmas cake liqueur”, somewhat ambitiously described by the retailer as the “taste of the festive season in a glass”.
“Bucks Fizz has been given a delicious upgrade and now features the Christmas flavour essentials – cranberry, pomegranate and Clementine,” a spokesman for the retailer added.
Sandra Ziles, M&S head of product development, said: “We’ve spent nearly 18 months working on this years range which we think is our best yet – we’ve got something for everyone.
“For those willing to be a bit more adventurous, you can’t beat our Brussels sprout juice - we hope it will convert a few non-sprout eaters to the green side.”
The range will be rolled out in shops from early October, with desserts and turkeys arriving two weeks before Christmas.
