“Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.” ― Robert Louis Stevenson
Besides being so much fun to grow, sprouts are really good for you. What are sprouts? They are the edible germinated seeds of beans, legumes, nuts, grains, and vegetables. Some of the most common types are lentil, mung bean, broccoli, pea, alfalfa, and clover.
Sprouts are a very affordable food source and pack a lot of punch. They are high in water content making them easy to digest. And, they are super nutritious!
Let’s take broccoli sprouts for example. Broccoli contains sulforaphane. Raw broccoli has ten times the amount as cooked and broccoli sprouts have five to ten times the amount of sulforaphane as raw. Sulforaphane has many benefits including the ability to influence the part of human DNA that affects diseases.
5 Benefits of Sprouts
- Help fight illness
- Protect against cancer
- Support digestion
- Relieve symptoms of menopause
- Boost the immune system
A great book I highly recommend that can tell you everything you need to know about sprouts and sprouting is The Sprout Book by Doug Evans.
Growing Sprouts
Sprouts are grown indoors and take up very little space. Growing sprouts only requires a few supplies and it takes about 3-5 days to grow, depending on the type of seed.
Start with organic seeds from a reliable source. Places I recommend are:
- True Leaf Market, https://www.trueleafmarket.com/
- Perfect Foods Inc, https://www.800wheatgrass.com/
- High Mowing Seeds, https://www.highmowingseeds.com/
Directions to Sprout in Jars
Supplies
- Seeds
- Wide mouth canning jar
- Screen top for jar
Choose one with openings small enough that the seeds won’t fall through
- Pure, chemical free, water for all steps where water is mentioned
Instructions
- Measure out appropriate amount of seed to fit jar
- Place seeds in jar
- Rinse with water - pour pure water in jar, enough to cover seeds
- Let soak for 2-3 minutes
- Drain water off
- Repeat
- Pour water in jar to 3 times the height of seeds
- Soak for 5-8 hours depending on the type of seeds you’re sprouting
- Drain water
- Turn jar upside down and place in a low light location
- Let sit for 8 hours
- Pour pure water in jar and gently rinse seeds
- Turn jar upside down and and return to a low light location
- Repeat steps 13 and 14 until seeds have sprouted a pair of leaves that are starting to separate
- Place jar in natural light, not direct sun, until the leaves green up
- Gently remove sprouts from jar
- Place in a bowl, cover with water, and skim off seed sheaths. This is not absolutely necessary. I do not do this step.
- Put sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator with paper towel to absorb and moisture that forms.
- Sprouts last about 5-7 days.
Click the button below to watch a quick video on how to do it.
I hope you’ll give sprouting a try. It really is fun and easy. If you get stuck and need help shoot me an email me, heidi@healthandvitalityzone.com.
Are you ready to get serious about your health and wellbeing? Schedule a free 30 minute wellness consult. Making lifestyle changes can be hard when you try and do it on your own. I’m here to help you!
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Note: There may be affiliate links in this post. • I am not a doctor. All information is for educational use only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional.
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