How to Grow Sprouts and Why You Should


“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 been shown to have a variety of health benefits. Read more about it HERE.

5 Benefits of Sprouts
  1. Help fight illness
  2. Protect against cancer
  3. Support digestion
  4. Relieve symptoms of menopause
  5. 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:
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
  1. Measure out appropriate amount of seed to fit jar
  2. Place seeds in jar
  3. Rinse with water - pour pure water in jar, enough to cover seeds
  4. Let soak for 2-3 minutes
  5. Drain water off
  6. Repeat
  7. Pour water in jar to 3 times the height of seeds
  8. Soak for 5-8 hours depending on the type of seeds you’re sprouting
  9. Drain water
  10. Turn jar upside down and place in a low light location
  11. Let sit for 8 hours
  12. Pour pure water in jar and gently rinse seeds
  13. Turn jar upside down and and return to a low light location
  14. Repeat steps 13 and 14 until seeds have sprouted a pair of leaves that are starting to separate
  15. Place jar in natural light, not direct sun, until the leaves green up
  16. Gently remove sprouts from jar
  17. Place in a bowl, cover with water, and skim off seed sheaths. This is not absolutely necessary. I do not do this step.
  18. Put sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator with paper towel to absorb any moisture that forms.
  19. Sprouts last about 5-7 days.
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@peacefullground.com.


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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.