They're not only good for you, but they taste good, too. Sprouts are also a great source of vitamins, fiber, protein, anti-oxidants, and enzymes. A sprout is produced when a seed starts growing into a vegetable. Sprouts can grow from the seeds of vegetables, from grains such as buckwheat, and from beans. While Mung beans are perhaps the most common source of sprouts, you can also obtain good results from lentils, soybeans and chickpeas just to name a few.
Sprouts can be grown almost anywhere and the best part is you only need a few basic supplies to get started. By following a few simple steps, you can receive a continual supply of nutritious sprouts.
While there are several commercial products available to cultivate sprouts, here are some of the easiest methods to help you get started.
- Growing Sprouts in Flower Pots -
1. Start with a clean clay or plastic flower pot. Make sure there is a hole in the bottom of the pot to ensure good drainage. Then place a piece of cheesecloth or muslin in the bottom of the pot over the hole so that the seeds/beans cannot fall out.
2. Next, soak the seeds or beans overnight and then put them in the pot. Remove any that are broken or damaged. Cover the plant pot with a dish.
3. Once a day, hold the pot under running water for a few minutes. This is to soak the seeds/beans thoroughly.
4. Once the sprouts begin to show, remove the dish and cover the pot with a piece of clear plastic wrap to let in the light. Place the sprouting pot near a window that allows daylight but is not in direct sunlight.
- Growing the Sprouts in Trays -
1. Soak the seeds or beans overnight. Remove any that are broken or damaged before you begin the sprouting process.
2. Select a low, flat dish (like a pie plate) or tray. You can purchase growing trays wherever planting supplies are sold.
3. Next, spread out a 2-inch layer of soil and then sprinkle the soaked seeds or beans on top of the soil.
4. Cover the seeds/beans with four layers of damp newspaper.
5. Cover the top of the tray with clear plastic wrap.
6. When the sprouts start to lift the plastic cover, (usually about three days) remove the newspaper.
7. Place the tray in a window so that the light can turn the sprouts green. You will need a space to place the sprouting tray that receives daylight but is not in direct sunlight.
8. Because the thin layer of soil dries out quickly, water twice each day.
9. After about 8-10 days, you will have sprouts tall enough to harvest.
- Growing Sprouts in a Jar -
1. Soak the seeds, grains, or beans in lukewarm water overnight in a wide-mouth glass jar. Remove any that are broken or damaged before you begin the sprouting process. (Sprouting increases the seed volume. 4-tablespoons will be sufficient for a quart size container.)
2. In the morning, pour off the water in the jar and rinse the seeds/beans thoroughly.
3. Place a piece of cheesecloth or muslin over the mouth of the jar. Use a rubber band to hold the material securely in place. This makes rinsing easier.
4. To keep the sprouts constantly damp, repeat the rinsing 2-3 times a day. Remember to drain any excess water because the sprouts should not stand in water.
5. Keep the jar away from the light for the first few days.
6. When the seeds/beans begin to sprout, (usually about the forth day) move the jar into the light to activate the chlorophyll and turn the sprouts green.
- Harvesting and Storing the Sprouts -
Newly germinated grain, seed, and sprouts, increase in food value in the very first period of growth. Grains should be harvested and eaten from when they are six days old until they are 4-5 inches tall. To harvest, just take your kitchen scissors and cut what you need.
Sprouts from beans, peas, etc., are ready earlier and can be eaten when they are 3-6 days old, depending on the type of sprout. For spouts grown in no soil or in seed trays, you can harvest the green "grass" when it starts to grow. Sprouts, from grain sown in jars, are ready sooner and are edible even before they turn green. Seeds sown in soil take a little longer.
If necessary, wash the sprouts thoroughly to remove the seed coat. Sprouts need to be stored in the refrigerator once they are ready to eat. Put the sprouts in tight sealing bags, and they will remain flavorful and crisp for one to two weeks. Rinsing the sprouts daily under cold water can extend their life.
Sprouts may be frozen by blanching them over steam for three minutes and then cooling them in ice water. Drain them and pack into freezer containers.
By growing your own sprouts, you will save yourself money because it is less expensive to buy sprout seeds and grow and harvest the sprouts yourself than it is to buy the sprouts from a market. Sprouting at home takes only a few minutes a day, and can produce a good part of your daily requirements of the nutrients you need from fresh produce. The hassles are minor, the costs are low, and the freshness is wonderful.
Pia Nutro operates http://www.forvegetables.com She has studied nutrition and understands the importance of vegetables in the diet. Visit http://www.forvegetables.com often for up to date information on vegetables.
apartment cleaning near Glenview ..Evidence suggesting that alcohol is "cardio-protective" first appeared in the... Read More
Did you know that much of our dry skin comes... Read More
Do we really need a home water filter? Can't we... Read More
A lot of people I've talked with about health supplements... Read More
Today's tip is on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia affects both... Read More
They sit left behind on relish trays. They're often by-passed... Read More
DIETARY SOURCES OF GLUTATHIONE: Glutathione (GSH) is an antioxidant and... Read More
So what's all the shake up about anyway?. To put... Read More
Calcium helps reduce constipationUsing calcium and magnesium in the right... Read More
Health is the thing. And no matter how many ways... Read More
You may have heard that essential fats are an important... Read More
Most digestive disorders develop because of the bodys inability to... Read More
"The physician who knows only medicine, knows not even medicine."... Read More
All of my life I believed the best way to... Read More
Because of consumer demand, the food industry focus is on... Read More
It is shocking how many people are not taking advantage... Read More
When was the last time you consumed soda? Most likely,... Read More
In a new study published by the American Heart Association,... Read More
In the brain, a typical protein can live for approximately... Read More
This is usually the forgotten element of most mass programs.... Read More
If you have a business trip tomorrow morning, you've probably... Read More
How many magazines have you read where they tell you... Read More
Your magnificent machine is, in fact, a symbiotic collection of... Read More
Inflammation is not a disease.Inflammation is best described as a... Read More
Millions of people around the UK consume dairy products on... Read More
residential cleaning services Morton Grove ..Fats (triacylglycerols) ...Some basic terminology ...fat or fatty acid ...In... Read More
Here's food for thought! Did you know the average restaurant... Read More
Dr. Christine Wood, M.D, a practicing pediatrician in Encinitas, California,... Read More
Approximately 30 years ago, food manufacturers were competing against the... Read More
Many of us, probably even you, want this thing called... Read More
"It is a bone-deep change you are going into, my... Read More
Toxic metals exist in our environment as pollutants in our... Read More
The sugar industry and the food manufacturers are capitalizing BIG... Read More
In order for a person to actually have a healthy... Read More
Weight loss plans are almost always trying to get you... Read More
While packages of the artificial sweetener Splenda claim, "made from... Read More
I first learned of Milk Soy Protein Intolerance (MSPI) in... Read More
In a new study published by the American Heart Association,... Read More
Most red and white meats are very fatty and are... Read More
Media coverage of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has incited... Read More
Evidence suggesting that alcohol is "cardio-protective" first appeared in the... Read More
I'm always amazed at how many people seem to know... Read More
Several years ago, Marilyn M. couldn't even spell fibromyalgia.Now she... Read More
In parts 1-6 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
It's really hard to believe that something could be worse... Read More
The proliferation of fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and vending... Read More
High Fructose Corn SyrupBefore we get to high fructose corn... Read More
AgingHow did aging appeared?If mechanism of Death was chosen by... Read More
Factory FarmingThe big names in American agriculture would like you... Read More
If you're suffering from constipation, you are no doubt looking... Read More
Nutrition |