How to Grow Sprouts

This post is particularly helpful for assurance when sprouting unfamiliar seeds or grains. Sprouts are arguably highly nutritious and fun for the children to take part in making. Get into the habit of putting them into sandwiches, salads, juice formulas and simply on the side to enhance the antioxidants, enzymes and fiber that you may not have as part of your meal. Sprouts are hailed for their cancer protective properties and wide array of health promoting nutrients. They are surprisingly easy and fun to grow.

First Section Applies for Both Jar and Cloth Sprouting Methods

• Obtain seed for sprouting and store in an insect proof container.
  Measure and inspect seed for stones, debris and broken seeds
• Rinse seed unless the seed is too small
• Soak seeds in either a glass jar or use a cloth method away from direct sunlight

Soaking

• 8 – 12 hours: millet, lentil, rye, rice, sesame, wheat, sunflower, buckwheat, fenugreek, pumpkin, radish, cabbage, corn, mung beans and almond
• 4 – 6 hours: alfalfa
• 2 – 4 hours: amaranth, quinoa and oats

1. When sprouting seeds, keep in a dark place at room temperature
2. If sprouts are not consumed in the same day, store in the refrigerator and rinse every 24 hours
3. For longer growing periods, the jar method is less likely to mold compared to cloth

JAR METHOD

Use a wide mouth jar such as a canning jar that has a special plastic screened lid or purchase plastic mesh and improvise.

1. Cover seed with water; soak for the recommended time suggested.
2. When finished soak, invert jar, drain and rinse the seeds once.
3. Prop jar up at a 45 degree angle for the water to drain and continue the sprouting process
4. Rinse seed 2 to 3 times a day
5.  After 2 to 5 days sprouts will be ready

CLOTH METHOD

Use a flat bottomed container and 100% cotton or linen cloth used exclusively for sprouting.

1. Soak seeds in shallow water for the recommended time
2. When finished soaking, empty seeds into a strainer and rinse
3. Line the bottom of container with a wet cotton cloth and spread seed  on top
4. Take a second cloth or the remainder of the same cloth and put it on top of seed
5. May add additional water
6. Later, if cloth is drying, sprinkle water on top or if very dry remove seeds, rinse and re-wet cloth

Copyright © 2015 – All Rights Reserved – Michelle Honda Ph.D.