How to Grow Your Own Sprouts at Home
Sprouts are a simple and easy way to incorporate more greens into any diet, and sprouting various seeds and beans at home is a simple way to maximize the nutritional value of these greens. It has been estimated that sprouts have approximately 100 times more enzymes than uncooked fruits and vegetables, including the amino acid lysine, which is needed to maintain a healthy immune system.
Below, Reichert discusses the health benefits of mung bean, broccoli, and radish sprouts before giving us some quick instruction on how to sprout them at home. He also offers a unique, European way to prepare them: with organic grass-fed butter on whole-grain bread.
How To Grow Your Own Sprouts at Home
- Put about 1/4 cup of your chosen seed variety ([easyazon_link identifier=”B00OIBQRYA” locale=”US” tag=”gardcoll03-20″]broccoli[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B0001W2VXQ” locale=”US” tag=”gardcoll03-20″]alfalfa[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B0001W2VZE” locale=”US” tag=”gardcoll03-20″]radish[/easyazon_link], etc) into a [easyazon_link identifier=”B01NBMPHYV” locale=”US” tag=”gardcoll03-20″]jar[/easyazon_link] after rinsing them with cold water.
- Add cold water to the jar in a 2:1 ratio (there should be twice as much water as seeds, or 1/2 cup).
- Cover the jar with [easyazon_link identifier=”B001B14ODG” locale=”US” tag=”gardcoll03-20″]cheesecloth[/easyazon_link] and a [easyazon_link identifier=”B0041HTBQ2″ locale=”US” tag=”gardcoll03-20″]silicone cooking band[/easyazon_link], then let sit at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours.
- Drain the seeds and rinse them, then drain again. Cover the jar with cheesecloth and a rubber band, and store it out of direct sunlight. Rinse the seeds between 2 and 4 times per day, making sure that they never dry out completely.
- Depending on your seed variety, sprouts will grow in 2-7 days. When the sprouts are still relatively small and just beginning to turn green, they are ready to enjoy!
Looking for more creative ways to use sprouts? Check out these 4 Alternative Pesto Recipes to help you eat your greens.
