Why eat & Grow Sprouts?
Why wouldn’t you?! It’s easy and they’re packed full of nutrients. Not to mention the satisfaction of growing things yourself.
- Many health benefits
Like micro greens, sprouts are rich in vitamins and minerals as well as being high in fiber AND they contain antioxidants. They are a good source of plant based protein and release enzymes that are great for your digestive health.
- Saves money to grow them your self
My local health food store sells small packs of sprouts for an average of about $2.49 per oz. One jar for is 3x that, or more, and is a fraction of the price. Plus you can control the seeds being used and the amount being grown. Make as many or as few as needed.
- Space saving and easy to grow
If you have a small amount of growing space, growing your own sprouts is a great way to add nutrients to your diet while using very little space. As long as you have room on your counter for a mason jar, you’re in business!
Growing your own sprouts is super simply and takes just a few days. It’s so easy that you may get addicted to having them at your disposal.
Using spouts
Sprouts can be a healthy addition to lots of dishes. My Dad used to buy bean spouts for his famous chicken fried rice. It really was the best. Honestly this was the first time I had ever seen someone use them. For the longest time I associated them only asian food.
Years later I had a warm avocado and turkey sandwich that had broccoli sprouts on it. This opened a whole new world.
As healthy, cheap and easy as they are to grow, try using them wherever you can. You can use a handful for salads, stews, sandwiches, wraps, pretty much anywhere that makes sense!
Where to get sprouting seeds.
I buy Nature Jim’s Sprouts. This brand is certified organic. You can get from Amazon as well as other online vendors. I’ve started seeing small bags in the local home & garden stores sometimes, which is super cool! I think this will make them more accessible and bring them to the forefront of more people’s minds.
Keep in mind that many of the seed types can be used as microgreens as well so I like to pick seeds that I use for both. Here is an article for how to grow micros.
What to need to make it work.
Mason jar of whatever size suits your needs. I use quart jars but tend to make way to many and they go bad before I can use them all. I’ve seen people online say that they simply start small, pint jars every couple of days to keeps a consist, smaller supply of their favorites.
You can buy these cools spout lids. I really recommend because it just make the entire process easier. The screen keeps you from loosing seeds ( and later sprouts ) and it keeps a space between the counter and the bottom of the jar so air can get to everything.
If you’re not sure that this will be something you’re going to do long term, simply use several layers of cheese cloth or a very thin rag or scarf over the top and hold it on with a rubber band.
That’s it! No dirt or crazy supplies needed!
Now you’re ready to sprout!
- Wet seeds and shake or mix – This gives them an initial rinse to be sure there is no residue or dirt on the seeds. I’d use a tablespoon or two in the jar at first just to get a feel or the process and how you will use them once they’re ready.
2. Dump water and refill – Jar doesn’t have to be full. Just enough to completely submerge the seeds. Some seeds with float, while others will sink to the bottom. This is normal so no worries!
3. Let sit overnight or at least 8 hours – The purpose of this is to stimulate growth in the seeds by quickly simulating a heavy rain. This will soften the shells so the seeds can start to open.
4. Dump and let drain – This is where the sprouting lid really works well. I just leave upside down in the sink for a while or sit on a rag or paper towel until it is done dripping. Then I just sit is on the bar. Don’t worry about putting in the sun since we’re eating them before they get to the serious need for sun.
5. Water and rinse daily (White things aren’t mold!) – Everyday just all more water into the jar, mix around and drain them again. After the first day or so, you may notice tiny roots reaching through the screen. This freaked me out the first time since it looks like mold forms, but it’s ok. This is normal. Its just the seeds searching for water and nourishment.
6. Ready! – After 3-6 days, depending on what you’re growing, you’re done. Watching them grow day by day or pretty fascinating! You can leave them in the same container and keep them in fridge for several days.
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