Sprouts are a great item to add flavor to salads, soups, and sandwiches. They also boost the nutritional value of any meal! Learn to grow sprouts at home using the mason jar method right on top of your countertop!
Many might label sprouts as a powerhouse superfood! They add such a delicious flavor and crunch to any meal and we absolutely love them in our home!
I previously purchased sprouts at the grocery store until I learned how to grow sprouts at home using the mason jar method. This process is much cheaper and is actually very fun! Growing them at home also ensures I know exactly how fresh the sprouts are and my family can consume them safely.
Sprouts are an easy way to pack some extra nutrition into any meal! One cup of bean sprouts provides more than the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, and many consider broccoli sprouts to be a cancer-fighting superfood. (Source)
Our favorite mix of sprouts are broccoli, alfalfa, and clover. The seeds we grow in our home can be purchased here.
What are sprouts?
Sprouts are seeds, nuts, beans, etc that have been given access to water and sunlight and then germinate into a “sprout” or a very young plant. They are usually eaten raw, but may be lightly cooked before eating.
health Benefits of eating sprouts
- Sprouts may help to lower blood sugar levels.
- Sprouts may help to improve digestion.
- Sprouts may improve heart health and lower risks of heart disease.
- Sprouts may boost your blood circulation.
- Sprouts may aid in weight loss.
- Sprouts help boost your immune system since they have a very high Vitamin C content.
- Sprouts may improve your eyesight due to the high amounts of Vitamin A.
- Sprouts may aid in healthy hair growth.
- Sprouting breaks down the phytic acid on seeds
Are Sprouts safe to eat?
This can be a controversial topic. We grow them under the proper conditions, refrigerate them, and consume them while they are still fresh, therefore I know they are safe.
The concern is that food poisoning can occur since sprouts are technically a raw food (Source). The cases of reported foodborne illnesses are quite low, so in our home we believe the benefits outweigh the risks.
Tips for growing and consuming sprouts safely:
- Check their appearance before eating: Avoid eating sprouts with a strong smell or slimy appearance.
- Store in the fridge: At home, keep sprouts refrigerated at temperatures under 48°F (8°C).
- Wash your hands: Always wash your hands properly before handling raw sprouts.
Shop the supplies to Grow Sprouts at Home
Here is a beautiful seed sprouting kit but this is not necessary to begin sprouting in your home today!
Seed Sprouting Jar Kit- All of the above included!
how to Grow Sprouts at Home | Mason Jar method
How to Grow Sprouts at Home
Equipment
- Sprouting Lids or a Cheesecloth
- Mason Jar
Ingredients
- Sprouting Seeds
- Filtered Water
Instructions
- Add seeds to mason jar, fill with water to cover seeds and soak for about 12 hours or overnight.
- Drain the water from the jar.
- Cover the seeds with fresh water, rinse, then drain water.
- Turn the jar upside down over a bowl so they can continue to drain for the next 12 hours.
- Repeat the process, rinse and drain, about every 12 hours.
- Watch your sprouts grow and fill the jar over the next 3-5 days!
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Caution: The risk of cross contamination in sprouts is very high as they contain living enzymes and some bacteria are dangerous including e-coli. In order to avoid this, keep your hands, jars and kitchen clean. It’s healthier to buy organic seeds, nuts, grains and legumes for sprouting. It is always good to consume them within 3 to 4 days and then repeat the process for a new and fresh batch of sprouts. (Source)
