If you want to know how to grow your own sprouts this fall and winter then you are at the right place! On the other hand, Growing your own sprouts is a good way to produce quick nutrients at a low cost if, like many people, you find yourself spending more time indoors these days. Sprouts are cheap and delicious, and they add to your food supply with only a few minutes of rinsing per day.
Their health benefits are impressive: cancer-fighting agents have been discovered in some varieties, lowering the risk of breast and colon cancer. Broccoli sprouts have been linked to a lower risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, and asthma.
Another earlier study from John Hopkins University discovered that broccoli sprouts contain up to 100 times more cancer-fighting compounds than broccoli heads!
Why, then, are sprouts frequently overlooked as a basic winter vegetable? A few simple steps in the home kitchen easily converts skeptics and produces satisfying results. Here are a few things to consider if you want to grow sprouts for health or just for the fresh taste. Lets know how to grow your own sprouts this fall and winter, but lets first know what is sprouts.
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What exactly are sprouts?
Sprouts are small plants that grow without soil. Nature usually provides seeds with enough energy to germinate and produce two small leaves before they require inputs from sunlight and soil. Sprouting, along with water, promotes this transformation on your kitchen counter, and the results are consumed. The leaves, stem, and root are all delicious in sandwiches, salads, dips, spreads, and stir fries. On the other hand, there are some tools that are used to grow sprouts which we discussed below.
What tools are required to grow sprouts?
Today, sprouting equipment is widely available, both online and in specialty stores. Simple containers with built-in sieves to multi-tiered setups for sprouting multiple varieties at once (or for staggering sprouts of one kind). However, if you’re just getting started with sprouting, sophisticated setups aren’t necessary.
The most basic sprouting method uses a glass jar with cheesecloth wrapped around the opening and secured with a rubber band. Screening secured with a metal screw-top ring works equally well. Untreated seeds and clean water (preferably non-chlorinated) are also required.
Choosing Which Seeds to Sprout: Easy Guide
In theory, almost any seed will sprout under the right conditions, but some are better for eating in their sprouted state than others. Sprouting seeds are also free of the harmful fungicides and other chemicals that some seed growers use to treat their seeds.
Before you begin, make sure your seeds are suitable for sprouting and select the best seed for your needs. Select seeds have become popular over the last three decades due to their ability to grow quickly and remain fresh. Among these alternatives are:
| Sprout Type | Flavor | Common Uses |
| clover | mild | salads, sandwiches |
| lentils (blue, red, green) | varies | salads, soups, dips |
| mung beans | mild | salads, stir fries |
| quinoa | distinct | salads, dips, soups, spreads |
| radish | spicy | salads, sandwiches, dips |
Sprout and seed companies sell seeds and mixes online, as well as at your local health food store. Mixes contain more than one seed type and add a nice variety of flavors to your favorite dish.
Grow Your Own Sprouts This Fall and Winter: Clear & Easy Way
It only takes a few tablespoons to a half-cup of seed to produce an abundance of sprouts for sandwiches, salads, and other dishes. On the other hand, depending on the size of the seed and the variety, sprouts will double or triple in size. Keeping things small will keep sprouts from spoiling in your fridge.
In general, 2-3 tablespoons of small sprouting seed (alfalfa or clover) and 1/3-1/2 cup of larger sprouting seed should be used in each batch (lentils or beans). Quinoa is an exception due to its slow sprouting and growth.
Here are some more general recommendations for growing sprouts at home:
1. Clean and rinse your seeds to remove any dust or debris.
2. Soak your seeds to help them “wake up” and sprout. While soaking seeds is optional for a few lesser-known sprouts, it is an important first step for the majority of varieties. Soak your seeds for 6-12 hours, covered completely. (Make sure to remove any floaters.)
3. After soaking, drain the seeds and spread them evenly in your container, forming a thin layer of seeds. Avoid stacking seeds on top of each other. If you’re using a jar, lay it on one side for more even distribution.
4. Rinse and drain once or twice per day. (Note: hulled sunflower seeds should be rinsed more frequently because they tend to become slimy.) To prevent rotting, rinse or pick off seed skins.)
5. Once your seeds have sprouted, rinse and drain them on a regular basis (every 8-12 hours) until the sprouts reach the desired length.
Consume immediately or store in the refrigerator until needed. Most sprouts will keep for 1-2 weeks if kept cool.
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Average Days to Complete Sprouts
- 3-4 days for lentils
- 3-5 days for mung beans
- 4-5 days for radishes
- 3-6 days for mustards
- 5-6 days for alfalfa and clovers
How to Keep Sprouts Safe
Despite their health benefits, commercially grown sprouts have been known to contain E. coli or Salmonella bacteria. According to research, some seed may have been contaminated by fertilizers while growing in the field. Where possible, buy organic or “pathogen-free” sprouting seed to ensure the safety of your seed.
Use clean water, utensils, and sprouting containers at all times. Refrigerate finished sprouts and consume while still fresh. Sprouts, like any raw food, may carry a risk of food-borne illness, but this risk is extremely low.
Conclusion
Put your sprouts in your favorite dish! To make your own favorite mix, experiment with different seed combinations.
Growing your own sprouting seeds is a fun and inexpensive way to extend your supply of garden greens throughout the winter. It can bring you some comfort to know that you have easy access to some of your favorite foods. This is the end of this post which is on how to grow your own sprouts this fall and winter. I hope you like this, try them all year!
FAQs
Q1. Ways to Use Sprouts
Salads, sandwiches, soups, stir-fries, and smoothies all benefit from the addition of sprouts. Combine alfalfa sprouts (or this 3 salad mix) with deli meat, fresh sliced tomatoes, and avocados in sandwiches or pita shells.
Q2: How do I make my own sprouter?
Sprouters can be purchased or made at home in a matter of minutes. A DIY jam-jar sprouter, in my opinion, is easier to use and produces better results than many commercial sprouters. In two easy steps, you can make your own sprouter:
1. Locate a suitable sized glass jar, preferably with a lid.
2. Drill small holes in the lid – 3mm is fine – or use a hammer and nail to punch them. If you prefer, you can omit the lid entirely and simply drain the water with your fingers.