How to grow your own sprouts?
April 12, 2009 No CommentsSprouting refers to the process of washing, soaking and rinsing seeds and grains, until they germinate or sprout. The stage of plant life cycle between being a seed and becoming a plant is what is known as Sprout. There are different varieties of sprouting seeds, nuts and beans that are available like, green mung beans, alfafa, radish, and lentils, wheat etc.These sprouts can be used as a snack, for garnish and even can be juiced. Add your homegrown sprouts to living salads or soups, or blend them into your freshly made juices.
Now the question arises that “Can we grow our own sprouts at home?”
In addition, the answer is positive!
Growing Your Own Sprouts
The first step is to use a good variety of seeds and grains for sprouting and have to keep in mind that the seeds, grains or legumes used for sprouting should be of sproutable type. As wheat is grown in, soil and soybeans do not sprout as they become sour.
Initial step is to wash the seeds thoroughly and then soak them overnight in a jar of clean and pure water. The jar should be covered either with cheesecloth or wire screening, but make sure not to cover the jar fully as to allow air in. The duration of soaking entirely depends on the size of the seeds. As small seeds take 5 hours to get soaked properly, medium size takes 8 hours and beans and grains take 10 to 12 hours for the same matter.
You can adjust the growing time based on whether you are planning on eating the sprouts or juicing the sprouts. Next morning, soaked seeds should be rinsed properly until water is completely drained off. It is important to keep half of the jar empty, as seeds tend to expand their size. There should be ample space for the seeds and grains to be sprouted.
The jar should be placed in the moderate temperature, niether so hot, nor cold. The seeds will germinate and become sprouts in 2 to 3 days from the commencement of soaking, depending on temperature and humidity. Sprouts can be kept for several days in this way.