How to sprout seeds, you wonder? It's so easy! In this post I've explained how to sprout seeds in a simple, step-by-step format.
Follow me and you'll no longer be wondering how to sprout seeds ever again! It's really so easy. Once you've got the hang of it you'll find it easy to keep a jar of seeds on your windowsill 24/7.
My favourite sprouted seeds are the good ol' standby, alfalfa sprouts, but there are many types of seeds that can be sprouted in a similar fashion. The only difference is the time they take to sprout. The process remains the same.
How to sprout seeds:
- 1. Choose your seeds! Most health food stores offer a variety of seeds that can be sprouted in their bulk section. Some common seeds are alfalfa, mung, broccoli, radish, and adzuki seeds. When in doubt, just ask for some "sprouting seeds" at your local health food store.
- 2. Get ready! You'll need a jar that can "breathe." For example, try taking a canning jar. Cover the top with some cheesecloth (cloth with tiny holes in it) and secure it with a rubber band. The cheesecloth doubles as a strainer.
- 3. Seeds in. Throw a small amount (for example, a tablespoon of alfalfa seeds or 1/4 cup of adzuki beans because they're bigger) of seeds into a jar.
- 4. Soak for 6-8 hours (or overnight). Add a couple of cups of water so that the seeds are totally underwater. Leave the jar upright.
Part II
- 5. Drain. Dump out all the water. You should be able to just leave the cheesecloth on and tip the jar into the sink. Water will come out but the seeds will stay in.
- 6. Rinse and drain again right away. This is important because seeds have a layer of "do not grow" protection on them. You want to make sure this layer is rinsed off because it can inhibit their growth.
- 6. Tip jar on angle and leave alone for 24 hours. Place the jar in a bright spot, like on a windowsill. Leave it alone for 24 hours.
- 7. Keep watered. Every day, sometimes twice a day, give them a good rinse so that everything gets wet, but then drain them again right away. Always leave the jar on an angle so that water can get out and air can get in.
- 8. Eat! Once the sprouts look good enough to eat, just start eating! I keep my jar in the fridge once they look ready to eat. I love to eat sprouts on veggie burgers!
All types of seeds look different when they're ready to eat.
Fresh sprouts are a cost-effective and fun way to keep fresh, organic greens in your diet all year long. Know you know how to sprout seeds!
Comments
Top voted
sheenao
Feb 16, 2011
what is the best way to enjoy radish sprouts, as they are so spicy!!?
The Rawtarian
Feb 17, 2011
Heeheehee, I totally agree with you. They are not my favorite. I prefer alfalfa.
My husband likes radish sprouts a lot, though. He eats them with raw veggie burgers, with sliced cucumber and tomato.
Also, radish sprouts also taste good paired with avocado.
Hope that helps!
tiffany
Jun 25, 2012
Can you sprout chickpeas and kidney beans?
All
marya194
Oct 14, 2013
Hi Jane,
Love your site! I am very familiar with sprouting, but have never sprouted Quinoa. I have followed your directions, although it has not been a full 24 hours, it appears they might not sprout. Would this mean the Quinoa is not fresh?
The Rawtarian
Oct 15, 2013
Hi Marya, It does take some time. Are any of them growing little tails?
tiffany
Jun 25, 2012
Can you sprout chickpeas and kidney beans?
The Rawtarian
Feb 17, 2011
Heeheehee, I totally agree with you. They are not my favorite. I prefer alfalfa.
My husband likes radish sprouts a lot, though. He eats them with raw veggie burgers, with sliced cucumber and tomato.
Also, radish sprouts also taste good paired with avocado.
Hope that helps!
sheenao
Feb 16, 2011
what is the best way to enjoy radish sprouts, as they are so spicy!!?
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