I recently began sprouting again for the first time in a few years, and I'm wondering why I ever stopped!
Sprouts are a wonderful addition to your daily food routine:
- Sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and protein
- They're easily digestible due to the high amount of enzymes released via the sprouting process
- Sprouting releases the life energy and vitality that is lying dormant within the seeds and beans, the energy that gives them the ability to grow into a plant and produce more seeds or beans.
- You can easily add them to salads, shakes, sandwiches, or stir-fry's or eat them alone as a snack
- They're super simple to make!
To sprout you'll need 2 things:
1. Seeds or beans
- Alfalfa, radish, mung bean, lentil, broccoli, adzuki, sunflower, or redclover are all great options! (Remember, organic is always best to avoid potentially harmful GMO's)
2. Sprouting kit or homemade jar
- You can buy a sprouting kit, such as the ones found here. Follow instructions found in kit.
- You can make your own sprouting jar with some basic equpiment: a wide mouth mason jar, wire mesh, and a rubber band large enough to fit around the jar
If you're making your own sprouting jar, cut the wire mesh into a square shape that is large enough to cover the opening of the jar. Place enough seeds or beans (or a combo if you're feeling creative!) to cover the bottom of the jar. About 2 tablespoons should do. Make sure to leave plenty of room as the sprouts will grow rapidly. Wrap the mesh around the opening of the jar and secure the rubber band around the mesh and jar, pulling the mesh tight.
Fill the jar with enough water to cover the seeds. Allow the seeds to sit in water overnight. In the morning, drain the water through the mesh covering. Add more water, again covering the seeds, and shake gently to rinse. Repeat this at least 2 times per day until the seeds are sprouted.
Different seeds and beans will take different amounts of times to sprout. Temperature has an influence as well as the amount of sunlight. Ideal conditions are out of direct sunlight for most of the day (you can put them in the sunlight up to 4 hours per day, but you don't feel obligated) and around 75 degrees F (23 degrees C). Don't worry if your kitchen is colder, the seeds may just take a little longer to sprout.
You'll know when they're finished (see above picture). When they're ready, place them in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 5 days.
It may be easier to have 2 jars rotating, starting another 3 days after the first. That way you'll always have a fresh supply of sprouts!
