Healthy Sprouting

Winter months are always a challenge when it comes to eating fresh healthy foods. Fresh, as in farm-to-table "living foods". Years ago when we were still city dwellers, we went through a health food fad that included sprouting seeds on our own in mason jars. 10+ years later and we’re back at it.

Not only are Sprouts delicious and inexpensive, they are jam-packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. They are delicious and can be added to salads, sandwiches, soup, and even enjoyed on their own as a snack.

There are many sprouting seeds to choose; the most common ones include:

Bean & Pea Sprouts: mung bean, kidney bean, black bean, lentil, snow pea

Vegetable Sprouts: broccoli, alfalfa, mustard green, red clover

Nut & Seed Sprouts: peanut, pumpkin seed, sesame seed, sunflower seed

Sprouted Grains: wheatgrass, quinoa

---

How to Grow Sprouts:

Step 1:

Always rinse your sprouting seeds to remove any debris.

Step 2:

Germinate your seeds by soaking them in water for 6 - 12 hours (24 hours for nuts so check your seeds’ packaging instructions). A splash of food grade hydrogen peroxide is added for additional safety precautions.

Step 3:

Sprout your seeds. Once soaked for recommended time, drain and rinse your germinated seeds. Repeat process 2 - 3 times a day so that they do not dry out.

Step 4:

In 4 or 5 days, your Sprouts should be ready. Package and refrigerate your sprouted seeds.

During Steps 2 & 3, your sprouts need to be covered in a dark area at room temperature. Each seed has its own time it takes to sprout depending on growing conditions such as air temperature, water temperature and of course, the size of the seed. Generally, the warmer the room, the quicker the process.

The only potential downside of sprouting seeds is food safety since the same humid warm conditions needed for sprouting is the exact same perfect environment for negative bacteria and mold. This time around, to help minimize risk we purchased this sprouting kit. Not only is it 100% easier, it is designed with proper drainage and air circulation. Also, you’re best to ONLY use seeds specifically labeled for sprouting.

Sprouting takes dedication, therefore kudos and a shoutout to my guy who has taken on this daily task. You’ve done a fab job and this one's dedicated to you.