You Grow Girl™

How to Grow Your Own Sprouts
By Arzeena Hamir



Sprouts are an excellent source of digestible protein, fibre, and Vitamin C, and are full of antioxidants. A 1997 study at John Hopkins University found that broccoli sprouts contain higher levels of cancer-fighting compounds than fresh broccoli itself.

Sprouting is so low-tech that it doesn't even require a green thumb. Some simple equipment and just a few steps will ensure that you and your family have a safe supply of this extremely nutritious food source.

Most people have heard of sprouting seed in a jar. However, as easy as this method sounds, it can be difficult to ensure that all of the excess moisture has drained. The humid environment inside a sprouting jar can encourage fungi and bacteria to grow. You'll find a slimy film on sprouts that have been sitting in water too long without being rinsed properly. I would not recommend growing sprouts in jars for anyone suffering from a suppressed immune system or for young children or the elderly.

The safest way to grow sprouts at home is to actually grow the seeds in soil. Any type of soil can be used but sterilized potting soil is the easiest to work with. Use whatever containers you have around the house - yoghurt containers, bowls, even baking dishes, the shallower the better. The sprouts won't require any fertilizer since all the nutrients required for growth are in the seed.

Next, just follow these simple steps:

  • Soak the seeds overnight in lukewarm water.
  • In the morning, drain the water
  • Place a layer of seed in your container which you've already pre-filled with moist soil.
  • Cover the seed with more moist soil and then cover the entire dish with Saran wrap
  • Place in a warm, dark corner of your kitchen.
  • The seeds will begin to sprout in about 3-5 days
To harvest, just take your kitchen scissors and cut what you need. The rest can be left to keep growing and harvested later. Refrigerate any unused, harvested sprouts. Sprouts grown from barley, wheat and rye will actually give you more than one crop and can be cut a number of times.

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 mixed legume sprouts