Sprouting For Health
I keep hearing about sprouting and wondered what the big deal was with growing your own sprouts. I started to explore the how and why and have become quite enamored with the process for 3 reasons. First, it got my youngest son away from video games and got him involved with growing his own food. Second, I really like the idea of eating a nutritionally packed food source. Third, it is very inexpensive and gives you quite a sense of accomplishment! Several methods exist for spouting. However, I feel like these two in particular are easy and inexpensive. The least expensive option is to sprout in mason jars using a mesh as the lid held in place with a rubber band. If that method appeals to you then click here for a tutorial. The more expensive option is to invest in sprouting trays. They are not terribly expensive and take up a little less space than sprouting in jars. I found mine on Amazon but you can simply do a Google search and find a variety of different sprouting trays.
The Why and the How
Why should I sprout?
Sprouts are nutritionally dense:
Enzymes in the seeds become active and create nutritional changes
Proteins are converted to amino acids
Minerals combine in ways that increase their assimilation
Vitamin content increases 3-12 times
Chlorophyll and carotene increases when exposed to sunlight
Sprouting is economical: One tablespoon of seeds cost less than 50 cents and will fill a jar and produce several ounces of sprouts. The cost is quite low and the nutritional yield is quite high.
Toxin Free: Growing your own food ensures that the product will be free of harmful toxins.
Tasty and Versatile: Sprouts can be used in salads, soups, stir-fry dishes, on sandwiches, or used to make sprouted breads.
Easy to Grow: Sprouting only takes a few days and about 5 minutes of attention each day to yield an amazing crop of sprouts
How do I sprout?
The method is basically the same whether sprouting in a jar or in a sprouting tray. The following tutorial uses a sprouting tray.
Place a tablespoon of seeds or beans in a mason jar, covered in water, for 8-10 hours or overnight.
2. Place the seeds in the trays spread out in a single layer.
3. Pour 2 cups of room temperature water over the top tray 2-3 times a day. Rotate which tray is on top each time you add water.
4. Continue to pour water over the seeds for 2-4 days depending on the food that is being sprouted.
5. Once sprouting is completed, place the sprouts in direct sunlight so that they may green.
6. Use them in any way you see fit!
