Sprouts! Did you know you can sprout most seeds and eat them? Not only for your favorite sandwiches but seeds can also be sprouted for salads, stir fries, soups and more.
With a sprouting kit , you can have ready to eat sprouts year round. Your local farmers markets is also a good place to find many different varieties and their close relative; micro greens (which we will address another time).
The most readily available are Alfafa and bean sprouts , but as we previously mentioned, you can sprout and enjoy most seeds from the comfort of your home.
HOW TO BUY
Sprouts tend to retain the flavors of the parent plant, so make sure it smells fresh and clean. Look for bright greens, different hues of yellow with no moldy spots. Check on that packaged date and beyond use date. When it comes to produce, be vigilant, get organic if you can and know your food source.
GROW YOUR OWN SPROUTS
Equipment
To make and enjoy your own at home, you will need a sprouting kit. We have been using this SOLIGHT growing kit and it works great for us. Any mason jar should work but the smooth, round nature of these jars give ample room for rotating the seeds once they start sprouting.
The size of your jars will determine how much you can sprout. There is no need to make a big batch because they grow fast and spoil fast too. Make what is enough to be consumed within 3 days.
Best seeds for sprouts
Alfalfa seeds are one of the most popular seeds to sprout. They are a rich source of A, B, C, E and K Vitamins as wells as essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Loaded with antioxidants and enzymes which could help support overall health and improve nutrient absorption.
How to make sprouts at home
Start with clean, sanitized jars. Then soak seeds for 8-12 hours. Add enough water so seeds are completely submerged. Try not to soak for over 24 hours, as the seeds may start to rot. We are using water at room temperature. Close jars with mesh lids.
After 12 hours, strain (through mesh lids, no need to open). Then thoroughly rinse seeds and strain. Place on stand in a dark area. Rinse, with high pressured water every 3-6 hours and strain (Twice a day at the least). Repeat this process until seeds sprout then place jar near an open window with good sunlight. Continue to rinse and strain for another 2-3 days until you see greens. Alfalfa takes us about 4-5 days total and bean sprouts about 5-7 days
When rinsing, make sure you rotate jar and move things around. This ensures even sprouting of seeds.
STORING SPROUTS
As easy as they are to make, they sure do spoil quick. Consume within 3-5 days. Alfalfa spoils a lot quicker, so we enjoy them within a couple of days. Bean sprouts can last a little longer. Store in a zip lock bag in the crisper section of your refrigerator.
Make a sandwich, salad or stir fry. There are so many ways to enjoy your easy to grow sprouts.
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