How to Grow Sprouts

Sprouts are one of the most nutritious foods, which are packed with numerous health benefits. Sprouts are rich in vitamins, fiber, protein, antioxidants, beneficial enzymes and phytochemicals. They are a good source of digestible energy too. Sprouts are grown from seeds, grains, beans and nuts. The most common sprouts grown from seeds are alfalfa and clover; among beans, there are mung beans, lentil and garbanzo; In case of grains, sprouts are commonly grown from wheat berries and rye. However, sprouts grown from nuts are usually known as 'soaks' and not sprouts.

Nowadays, many types of sprouts are available in the supermarkets and all you have to do is buy one and use it. But, there are various problems associated with such store-bought sprouts. The major one among them is that if the sprouts are made of treated (with chemicals) seeds or grains, which are meant for sowing, then, health problems can occur. While sprouts can be grown from most of the seeds, beans and grains, some types (like kidney beans) can be toxic. But, most toxic sprouts can be used after cooking, as washing and cooking reduces its toxicity. Above all, there will be no guarantee of freshness. So, it is best to grow some sprouts at home and enjoy their health benefits. You can also save money by growing sprouts on your own.

Growing Sprouts

Growing sprouts at home is really easy, if you know the right method. You have to decide the right seed, grain or bean for sprouting. The most commonly used ones are mung bean, chickpeas, clover seeds, fenugreek and alfalfa, adzuki bean, amaranth, annatto seed, anise seed, basil, brown rice, pinto bean, lima bean, buckwheat, canola seed, celery, cilantro, clover, cress, dill, fennel, green lentils, pearl millet, rye, sunflower, wheat berries, etc. It is better to go for organic ones, which are not treated with any chemicals. Otherwise, refrain from using those seeds, which are meant for sowing. Even though the basic method of sprouting is the same, it can be done in different ways.

Grow Sprouts In Jars: For any method of sprouting, soaking is the most important and primary step. You have to clean the seeds and remove the broken ones. Then wash the seeds well and keep it in water for a few minutes. Dirt, dead seeds and husk, etc. get accumulated on the water surface. Remove these things and wash the seeds again. The seeds have to be soaked for at least six to eight hours. It will be better to keep it soaking overnight. Always remember that the amount of water taken for soaking, must be three to four times, the volume of the seeds. Once the seeds get soaked, they expand in size and become soft. Strain the seeds to remove excess water. This can be done by pouring the soaked seeds through a cheese cloth placed on a strainer. Once the water is removed completely, you can transfer the seeds to a clean jar. Otherwise, fold the moist cheesecloth like a pouch, with the seeds inside and keep the pouch in a bowl. In both cases, you have to cover the opening (of the jar/bowl) with a thin moist cloth and keep the jar/bowl in a warm, dark place. Let it remain like that for a day. In colder regions, sprouting may take around two to three days. Once the seeds sprout, wash them again and store in a tight jar and keep it in the refrigerator. If the sprouted seeds are foul-smelling or very slimy, then, discard them.

Growing sprouts in Trays: In order to grow sprouts in trays, you can buy trays from garden supply stores or use a flat dish in your house. Spread a one-inch layer of soil on the bottom of the tray. The next step is to sprinkle the soaked seeds over the soil. Once you have completed that, place four layers of damp newspaper over the seeds and cover the surface with a clear plastic wrap and then cover the tray with another tray (upside down). Keep it in a warm place and water lightly (twice a day). Sprouting will take around three days. Let the sprouts grow for a few more days and then harvest them. In the latter case, you can keep the tray on a sunny windowsill (no direct sunlight), so that the sprouts turn green.

Now, you have a basic idea about how to grow sprouts in soil and in jars, without soil. The above said are among the easiest methods of growing sprouts indoors. So, grow some sprouts and enjoy their goodness.