Seed to sprout

Sprouts!  They are packed full of nutrients and great for our health, helping all kinds of PMS and menstrual problems.  But, how do we get sprouts from seed?  Let’s go from seed to sprout s!

To buy or not to buy already sprouted sprouts!

Growing sprouts are so readily available.  Just check your local grocery store to see if they stock sprouts.  Usually, you can find the following types of sprouts in your produce refrigerated section:

• Alfalfa sprouts
• Broccoli sprouts
• Radish sprouts

There are tons of sprouts but these are the most common that I’ve found in my grocery store.  But, should you buy these sprouts?  I used to buy the sprouts at the store until I figured out how to grow my own.  And, when I realized how easy it was, I started to do it regularly.  Seriously, it is so easy to grow sprouts from seeds.  Soon, you’ll get seed to sprout on your own.

What do you need to grow sprouts?

Basic items:

• Glass jar, preferably a wide mouth but not necessary.
• Sprouting lid (if you don’t have special sprouting lids, you can use cheese cloth.  But, you’ll find that it is worth the small investment to buy sprouting lids because they screw on nicely and it makes it easy to drain.
• Sprouting seeds
• Patience (but not too much is needed!)

How to grow sprouts

Let’s start off with broccoli sprouts – one of my favorites and one of the easiest to sprouts.  (Actually, they are all pretty easy but the broccoli sprouts seeds are so readily available that it’s the one I generally have on hand.)

6 Steps to grow from seed to sprout:

1. Take 1 Tablespoon of broccoli sprouts and pour into your wide mouth glass jar.
2. Fill the jar to the top with cool tap water (you can also use de-chlorinated tap water.)
3. Let sit for 2 hours but no longer than 2 hours.
4. Rinse 2 times after the 2 hours is up.
5. Refill with water and then balance upside down or tipped in a bowl so that the moisture can drip out.
6. Then, rinse every 12 hours for about 5 days or so.
7. You’ll start noticing the seeds will sprout in a day or 2.  Keep rinsing and repeating until the sprouts have sprouted, basically when the jar is full!

For example, I’ll soak my seeds in the morning for a couple hours.  Then, when I rinse them the first time, I will later (around 9 or 10 PM) do the double rinse.  Then, do the double rinse again the following morning before work and again in the evening.  It couldn’t be easier!

Ways to use your sprouts:

• Alone:  personally, this is how I usually eat my sprouts because they are that good and that convenient.  And, by alone, I mean with nothing else (i.e. like a salad or with dressing).  Feel free to share with a friend!  🙂
• On a salad – sprouts are great on salads.  Add your favorite dressing and see what a difference some sprouts can make to your afternoon lunch.
• Sprout sandwich – this is another great way.  It may sound strange but this is really good.  Take 2 pieces of (preferably) sprouted grain bread, spread some of your favorite hummus on each slice, add whatever veggies you like and top with a nice chunk of sprouts.  It is quite delicious!