Disliking Brussels sprouts could be down to the genetics you were born with, according to research.
The leafy green vegetable often sparks debate when it comes to Christmas dinner as people either love or loathe them.
However, two third of the nation could have a gene variation, known as a "supertaster", that makes them more sensitive to bitter tastes, according to genetics company 23andMe.
The gene variant means the bitter chemical called PTC - found in Brussels sprouts and broccoli - is more easily detected.
Previous research had identified that several variations of the supertaster gene affect other bitter tastes such as dark chocolate, coffee and even beer.
Researchers found that a quarter of the UK populations doesn't enjoy eating the leafy green vegetable.
In Scotland, the two biggest cities are split - with 76% of people in Glasgow loving Brussels sprouts compared to 17% in Edinburgh.
The UK produces 82,000 tons of Brussels sprouts a year - enough to fill 3,200 football pitches.
Spokeswoman and senior product scientist Alisa Lehman said: “Brussels sprouts have a high level of sulphur compounds which are responsible for the bitter flavour.
"People with certain genetic variants in the TAS2R38 gene can detect bitter taste more than others and therefore may be more likely to dislike sprouts.
“But just because you can detect bitterness, it doesn't automatically mean an instant dislike - as the research shows, Brits love them.
"There are many factors outside genetics that play a part in the foods we like.
"For example, we can train ourselves to like foods that are good for us, and as we get older our food preferences can change as our overall sense of taste tends to dull.
"So even if you don’t like sprouts now, there’s the potential you will in the future ."
