Natural attraction to sprouts

Bruce Adams with a Sprout. 135928 Picture: ROB CAREW

By PETER DOUGLAS

FORGET about the Big Banana or the Big Pineapple, the Yarra Valley now has the Big Brussels Sprout.
In front of an incredible crowd of about 5000 vegetable enthusiasts, the seven-foot-tall, fibreglass sprout was officially unveiled at Adams sprout farms at Coldstream earlier this year.
The unveiling was held at the Adams Farms Brussels sprout farm at the Big Sprout Fest in April, with people travelling from around the state to see the new attraction.
Bruce Adams, from the farm, said the inaugural festival was a huge success, as well as an educational experience for the guests.
“Only four of the 5000 people had been on a sprout farm before,” he said.
“They were able to enjoy a tour of the farm, as well as listen to a cooking demonstration from a renowned chef.”
However, the highlight of the day was the official unveiling of the Big Brussels Sprout.
Named Arthur, in honour of Bruce’s late father, Mr Adams believes the initiative will become an ongoing tourist attraction.
“We’re hoping it will build up over time, so people can come in and have their photo taken with the sprout,” he said.
“Any promotion of the Yarra Valley has got to be a good thing.”
Visit the big sprout yourself at 681 Maroondah Highway in Coldstream, near the Coombe Melba estate.
For more information, search for Adams Farms on Facebook.