How to grow sprouts

How To Grow Sprouts In Your Kitchen

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Step-by-step instructions guide you on how to grow sprouts. No green thumb required. It’s easy!

There are different methods to growing sprouts. Some people use a closed system like mason jars but I prefer using a seed sprouter tray. I find it easier to manage and feel it is safer. It actually provides better air circulation for the seeds during the growing process thus protects the seeds from going bad and getting moldy.

How to Grow Sprouts Successfully

Learn how to grow sprouts with success in your own home. It’s not only fun and good for you but it also gives your foods an added spark of color and flavor.

grow sprouts

You don’t have to be a gardener or have a green thumb to grow sprouts. It’s actually real easy and does not require much space either. For best results sprouts can be grown indoors year round. Below are a few recommendations for growing sprouts with success.

Supplies Jett Uses When Growing Sprouts

I recommend this stackable sprouter tray as it provides circulation for the seeds during the growing process and protects the seeds from getting moldy. Another feature is it has two divider trays so you could grow four different seeds at one time.

Botanical Interests

What are Sprouts?

Sprouts are seeds that have germinated and become very young plants. Sprouting seeds take anywhere between 3-7 days to harvest. Many offer some of the highest level of nutrition when compared to a mature plant.

Health Benefits of Sprouts

Many sprout plants provide an excellent source of fiber, manganese, riboflavin and copper. They also contain protein, thiamin, niacin, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Edible sprouts such as alfalfa, broccoli, mung bean and radish are excellent sources of antioxidants and essential amino acids thus providing amazing health benefits. Some sprout plants may fight and prevent cancers – including throat, lung, colon, breast, bladder and skin cancers and decrease the risk of heart disease

Lab studies have shown broccoli sprouts contain compounds that have anticancer properties. Other studies suggest they can help eliminate environmental toxins and protect against some viruses and bacterial infections. Although, more research is needed to confirm these effects. One study even stated broccoli sprouts are good for the gut and may protect against stomach ulcers which in return decreases the risk for stomach cancer.

Seeds for growing sprouts

Grains like wheat, Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds, and barley, Lentil Sprouting Seeds, Garbanzo Bean Sprouts, Organic Bean Mix, mung beans and soybeans are all types of seeds that can be germinated. Some other seeds that are popular include Adzuki Bean Sprouts, Broccoli Sprouting Seeds, Buckwheat, Fenugreek, Organic Salad Mix Sprouting Seeds, Purple Kohlrabi, China Rose Radish (my favorite), Red Clover and Sandwich Mix Seeds. Overwhelmed by all the choices? Then try a Sprout Sampler Seed Collection. 

Find the full line and photos of organic sprouts here.  

The photo below is of the China rose radish sprouts. Aren’t they beautiful?  Pretty tasty too. They are my favorite as they have a little kick to them. 

China Rose Radish Sprouts

Let’s Grow Sprouts

Below are instructions when using 3-4 different sprouting seeds.

Day One: Soak Seeds

For your first time sprouting I recommend using 1/2 Tablespoon of each seed and place them in individual bowls. After you have experienced growing your first batch you can increase the amount of seeds or use manufacturer’s recommendations. Add room temperature water and soak seeds in about three times their depth and allow to soak 8-12 hours.

Sprouts soaking Day 1

Day Two: Transfer seeds to the sprouting tray

Over the sink pour the seeds into the Seed Sprouter Tray into each divided section. Spread seeds evenly in a single layer in the sprouter tray. Gently rinse seeds with room temperature water. Place tray onto drain base and put water diffusing lid in place on top tray. Place the tray in a warm location and out of direct sunlight. Optimal temperature for sprouting is 70° Fahrenheit. Later that same day rinse seeds again with room temperature water.

Sprouts Day 2

Day Three thru Day Seven: Rinse

Rinse seeds twice daily until sprouts are 1″ – 2″ and ready to harvest.

Progress of Sprouting Seeds (Day three to Harvest)

Day Three

During day three the sprout seeds begin to emerge and may produce little with roots. Some roots may even appear to have a fuzzy growth on them. It may look like your sprouts are growing mold but those are actually tiny hairs. The tiny hairs are easiest to see before rinsing the sprouts, as the water makes the hairs cling to the main root. These fine roots are not mold.

Sprouts Day 2

Although this picture below is of a different seed we have enlarged it to show the tiny hairs as mentioned above and NOT mold. If at anytime during the growing process should your seeds become moldy or have an unpleasant odor you should consider throwing them out, sanitizing your sprouting tray and starting all over.

Sprouting Seeds

Day Four

Sprouts Day 4

Fifth Day

Sprouts Day 5

Day Six

Sprouts Day 6

Harvesting Sprouts 

Sprouts are usually harvested when tiny leaves begin to form or can be harvested when desired growth has been reached.

Remove Hulls

Your sprouts should be ready to harvest anywhere from 3-7 days depending on the seed type. Working with one set of sprouts at a time remove from tray and place in a large bowl. Fill bowl with cold water to cover sprouts. Gently press down on the sprouts and the hulls will float to the top. Swish the sprouts around and repeat step 3 until desired amount of hulls removed.

You may not get all the hulls removed and that is okay because they too are edible.

Harvesting Sprouts

Dry Sprouts

Before adding sprouts to your meal and/or prior to storing they need to be as dry as possible. To achieve this, place sprouts in a mini salad spinner and spin several times to remove excess water.

Drying Sprouts

Store Sprouts

Any leftover sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator just like any other vegetable. I like using these Green Box storage containers as they help preserve freshness and extend the life of produce and baked goods. I like this kit because it includes a variety size of boxes with lids and different sized bags. All in which can be reused.

Green Storage Containers

How sprouts are used with meals

Sprouts are eaten raw, usually as an addition to salad, sandwiches, or juice. Below I have added the China rose sprouts to my chickpea salad.

Salad with sprouts

 Are sprouts safe to eat?

At one time sprouts could be found in the produce section at grocery stores but many stores have quit selling  sprouts  due to potential food safety risks. There has been some controversy on this subject but, if you care for sprout plants as recommended and grow them indoors you should be fine.  You see, improper care can cause contamination and lead to foodborne illnesses such as E. coli, Listeria and Salmonella. Store bought sprouts (if you can find them) are at the greatest risk of contamination compared to home grown. Recommendations from the FDA claim cooking sprouts thoroughly can reduce the risk of illness as cooking kills harmful bacteria.

Before deciding to grow or consuming sprouts it is best to consult with your physician as there could be major interactions between sprouts and certain medications. For example, if you are taking Warfarin (Coumadin) there is a “MAJOR INTERACTION” with Alfalfa Sprouts according to WebMD.

Other Sources:

Disclaimer:

This Web site — Information About Herbs, Botanicals and Other Products — is for general health information only. This Web site is not to be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment of any health condition or problem. Users of this Web site should not rely on information provided (on this Web site) for their own health problems. Any questions regarding your own health should be addressed to your personal physician or other healthcare provider.

I AM SO EXCITED THAT YOU ARE READING ON HOW TO GROW SPROUTS. PLEASE COME BACK AND LET US KNOW WHICH SEEDS YOU GREW.

BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS

The Sprouting Book
BUY PAPERBACK BOOK:  The Sprouting Book: How to Grow and Use Sprouts to Maximize Your Health and Vitality

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