Sprouts. Sprouts. Sprouts.
Is it just me, or is there a sweet satisfaction from doing something yourself?
Sure, maybe it's something you don't have to do. But it's something you can do. So why not, I say? It's good for all of us to be capable, productive, and knowledgeable people...right?
Right.
And therefore, we shall wander into the world of home seed sprouting. No, you don't have to do it at home. You can buy them at the store if you like. But you can. And you can do it for far less than it costs to buy a nice little package of them in the produce department. So when in Rome, I say! When in Rome, make your own sprouts.
As usual, at sounded far better in my head.
Anyway.
Step One: Acquire some seeds! You can find everything you need here, at Mountain Rose Herbs. There are a variety of different sprouting seeds available. I usually mix my seeds so that there are some big and some little ones. If you sprout all little ones, they tend to get all gummed up together. The big seeds help to break that up. Clover, alfalfa, broccoli, and radish are all popular sprouting seeds. You can also more than likely find seeds at your local health food store. They are cheap and you really don't need a lot to start off with.
Step Two: Get you a mason jar. And pour in some of your seeds. No measurements required. Just put some in there. Then, add some water.
Step Three: Screw on your sprouting screen lid and then dump the water out. This will get the seeds wet, but not allow them to be sitting in water (a big no-no). Repeat this step over the next few days. Add water, then dump it out. Add water, then dump it out. This will ensure the seeds stay nice and damp, which will cause them to sprout. You don't want them to be soggy or in stagnant water, however. So be careful that you dump all the excess water out - and rinse them often! Add, dump out. Add, dump out.
While I'm usually a big proponent of using what you got - if you are looking into making your own sprouts, I would invest in a sprouting screen, available HERE. At roughly $2, it will save you a lot of heartache. I'd given up on sprouting, until I acquired this bad-boy. It allows the water to easily dump out, while keeping even the smallest of seeds right where they belong. In the sprouting jar.
You rock my world, sprouting screen. Rock it.
Step Four: In a few days, you will notice your little seeds beginning to sprout. Keep rinsing! Multiple times a day, if you wish. The sprouts will continue to grow and grow. Once they are at your desired size, store them in the refrigerator in a covered container. Hint: I line my container with a paper towel to absorb excess water.
Step Five: Eat. Enjoy.
Reasons to enjoy fresh sprouts:
1. They are rich in amino acids.
2. They are rich in vitamins.
3. They are rich in minerals.
4. They are easy to grow.
5. They are cheap to grow.
6. They are a way to enjoy fresh produce, from your home, year round.
Even if you aren't a gardener, give these bad boys a try. Then, you can eat them on your sandwich (or salad!) and revel in how cool you are for growing them yourself.
You are, like, soooo cool!
Happy growing, my friends!