DIY Sprouting- The How's and Why's

DIY Sprouting- The How's and Why's

Sprouts are brimming with life force and living enzymes and are therefore one of the most nutritious foods available to the body. Sprouts are a potent source of antioxidants and are alkalizing to the body which is essential for protecting against disease and strengthening the immune system. They are a good source of essential fatty acids, which many diets are lacking in. They are an excellent source of fiber, rich in chlorophyll, a good source of vitamins and an array of essential minerals. They are also an excellent source of protein!

Sprouting is an easy and fun project that can be done in any home in any size space- all you need is a section of counter space or a windowsill.

Sprouting only takes a few minutes of rinsing a day and you are rewarded with an array of alfalfa, mung bean sprouts, lentil sprouts and activated nuts and seeds.

All you need to invest in is a mason jar, a small square of mesh and a rubber band! The mesh is held on top of the jar with the rubber band which simply means you can rinse the sprouts easily each day. Alternatively just keep them in a jar or a bowl and rinse them daily under water with a regular strainer.

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Here is a simple guide to sprouting-

Unhulled Seeds

Alfalfa,
 Clover,
 Radish,
 Fenugreek – 1 1/2 Tbsp’s

Legumes-

Lentils, 
Adzuki Beans, 
Mung Beans – 3/4 cup

Green Peas, Garbanzo Beans – 1 cup

Grains-

Wheat Berries, Millet, Rye, Barley, Quinoa – 1 cup

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SOAKING

Place seeds in a jar and rinse and drain them well. Fill the jar again with spring or filtered water about 2–3 inches above seeds. Soak overnight or for approximately eight hours. After eight hours drain the water.

RINSING & DRAINING

Rinse the soaked seeds well. Return the rinsed seeds to the jar and secure the mesh screen over the top with a rubber band. Place the jars with the screen and mesh securely at a 45 degree angle so it can continue to drain and allow air to circulate. Make sure the seeds are not totally covering the mouth of the jar as this will block the air flow and cause the seeds to spoil.

Rinse and drain the seeds twice a day. Legumes and grains do not need sunlight and will be ready in 1–2 days when the sprout tail is 1/8 inch long. For unhulled seeds, such as alfalfa, clover and radish, continue rinsing and draining for 2–3 more days and place in indirect sunlight until the leaves are deep green.

HARVEST

To harvest grains and legumes just rinse them and they are ready to eat! Refrigerate all sprouts after they are fully sprouted to maintain freshness. They will last 4-5 days when refrigerated. Add your sprouts to any dish you make! They are great in salads, curries, on bread with avocado, I even put them in my smoothies!

sprout in jars

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