Growing Your Sprouts At Home
Growing your sprouts at home is relatively easy and requires only a few supplies:
- Sprouting seeds (alfalfa, mung beans, broccoli, lentils, etc.)
- A jar with a mesh lid or a sprouting tray
- Filtered water
- A bowl
Basic Steps For Growing Your Sprouts at Home:
1. Choose your sprouting seeds
Choose high-quality organic seeds that are specifically labeled for sprouting. Alfalfa, broccoli, mung beans, radish or wheatgrass are some common options that are easily available in most grocery stores or online.
2. Soak the seeds
Place 1 tablespoon of seeds in a 1 quart mason jar or a sprouting tray and cover them with water about 2-3 times the volume of the seeds.
Cover the jar with a sprouting lid. Let them soak overnight for 8-12 hours, depending on the type of seed.
3. Rinse the seeds
The next day drain the water from the jar or tray and rinse the seeds with fresh water using a mesh strainer. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day, every 8-12 hours, depending on the climate in your area.
If using a jar, fill the jar with water, shake it gently, and then drain the water out again. This ensures that the seeds are evenly distributed in the jar.
4. Keep the seeds moist
Place the jar or sprouting tray in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. A kitchen cabinet or pantry is a good option. Make sure to rinse the seeds regularly to keep them moist.
I rinse the seeds with water twice a day, in the morning and in the evening. I fill the jar with water, swirl it around gently, and then drain the water out using the sprouting lid.
Continue rinsing and draining the seeds for 3-7 days, or until the sprouts are the desired length.
The color of the sprouts may also change depending on the type of seed. For example, alfalfa sprouts will turn from pale yellow to bright green as they mature.
5. Harvest the sprouts
The exact timing of when sprouts are ready can vary depending on the type of seed and environmental conditions. In general, most sprouts will be ready to eat within 3 to 7 days after they have been soaked and rinsed.
Once the sprouts are ready, give them a final rinse and then drain the water completely. They are ready to eat.
It is important to note that sprouts should be consumed soon after they are ready, as they can quickly spoil if left at room temperature for too long.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week in the same jar with a mesh lid so that there is access to air.
You can avoid the risk of food poisoning by taking a few precautions:
- Never buy or eat slimy or smelly sprouts
- Keep sprouts chilled below 48 degrees at all times
- Take extreme caution with sanitization if attempting to make sprouts at home
- Rinse sprouts before consumption
- Always wash your hands before handling sprouts
The information here is provided for informational purposes only. It is not presented with the intention of diagnosing or treating any disease or condition. It is in no way intended to substitute for the advice provided by your doctor or other health care professional. No responsibility is assumed by the author for the use of this information and no guarantees of any kind are made for the performance or effectiveness of the recommendations provide. By using this site you agree to these terms. (Read more)