Sprouts!

A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine suggested I post doing sprouts.  I hadn't done this in a while and was excited to get back into it.  I purchased my sprouting seeds at English Gardens, but have also done lentils, split peas, and wheat berries that you can get at the grocery store.  I use them in my salads, sandwiches, as a snack, and in stir fry.  You probably could let me know some other ways you use them, I think the possibilities go beyond what I use them for.

The way I grow them is in a glass Mason jar.  All you need is the jar, a piece of cheese cloth or screen, and the rim.  The screen I use is just a piece of ordinary screen you would get from the hardware store.  If you know me, I would be happy to give you some.  The cheesecloth works just fine too, it just isn't as easy to rinse your seeds.

It is recommended to disinfect your seeds before you begin.  To do this, soak your seeds for about 15 minutes in a solution of 1 cup of hot water and 1 tsp of bleach.  Drain and rinse before proceeding.

Measure 1 1/2 tablespoons of seed and fill your jar with water.  Swish it around and then drain.  Fill the jar again with cool water to completely cover the seeds.

After 24 hours rinse the seeds again and drain the water from the jar.  If you are using the screen, there is no need to take the lid off.  If you are using the cheesecloth, you will have to take it off and strain it in a strainer.

After rinsing and draining the seeds, lay the jars down on their sides out of direct sunlight.  About 3-4 times a day give them another rinsing/draining.

In about 2 days you will start to see them sprouting.  I did three kinds of sprouts:  alfalfa, sandwich, and broccoli.  The Alfalfa has sprouted the fastest but the other two are only about a day behind.