Way to Grow: Sprouting

Sprouts make me happy.  In fact, if I was a Doctor, my Rx for Seasonal Depression would be sprouts.

To see life appear from a dusted-rock-solid-seed is quite amazing, especially when it’s March and you’re fiending for some fresh fresh fresh food.  Sprouts make a great addition to any sandwich or salad- and if you are feeling bold throw some into homemade hummus or other pureed soups/dips for some extra nutrients. I mean think about it, if a seed has all the micro-nutrients it needs to sustain itself, it’s going to provide the nourishment that your body needs to sustain itself as well.

Sprouts are usually thought of as one of those “crunchy-granola” foods and to some extent it’s true; sprouts are crunchy, but they are 100% something that everyone should experience (not just the people who shop at health food stores).

I promise, it’s not hard. All you need is moisture, some raw beans, seeds, or nuts, a glass bowl or jar,  cheese cloth (plastic wrap with little holes poked in the top work too), and a smidgen of patients.

Within 3 days, I guarantee, you’ll be running around sharing your happiness with all of your friends. Then you’ll understand why I told you they make me happy.

To Sprout:

1 quart size glass mason jar, 1/4 cup of sprouting seeds*, water, cheese cloth & an elastic.

Rinse seeds with luke-warm water in a sieve or mesh colander. Pour the rinsed seeds into a glass jar or bowl. Cover with room temperature water, and let sit for 12-14 hours, until seeds are softer than they started.

After the initial 12-24 hours submerged in water, rinse and return to jar/bowl. Cover with cheese cloth and let sit for 8-12 hours at room temperature. Repeat, rinsing every 8-12 hours until sprouts are at the desired size.

* Sprouting seeds are any whole seed, bean, or nut. Some of my favorites are chickpeas, mung beans, french lentils, alfalfa, & radish seeds, but broccoli, flax seeds, soybeans, chia seeds & so on all work wonderfully too. Be aware that each may take a different amount of time to sprout!