Living food. There is no substitute for fresh real food. Unfortunately, many diets are full of over-processed foods containing preservatives and chemicals and lack the nutrition necessary for humans to not only live, but thrive. Thankfully, it is easy and inexpensive to grow living food, even if you do not have room for a garden. How is this possible? Sprouts! Simply by introducing water to seeds, germination begins. Vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other much needed nutrients begin to form as the seeds explode into life. Most sprouts are ready to harvest when the first leaves begin to appear. They are all delicious raw, and some of the heartier varieties can be added to cooked meals just as the cooking process is complete.
It is easy to sprout and fun for kids as well as adults. For most seeds and beans the only things needed are a large glass jar and some cheesecloth. There are sprouting jars that have lids with small holes available most anywhere sprouting seeds can be purchased, but cheesecloth works well and can be reused many times. Simply put a rubber band around the rim of the jar over the cheesecloth, so it is secure when rinsing the seeds. Begin by soaking the seeds overnight in clean water. Then, they will need to be rinsed twice a day until ready to use. After three or four days, they will begin to sprout small leaves and can be set out in the sun for a few hours for the leaves to “green up”. The hulls will break free and need to be removed by soaking the sprouts in a bowl or sink with water. Leaving the hulls may cause a bitter taste as well as cause the sprouts to spoil faster. The sprouts should last a week in the refrigerator, and also freeze well. It is important to use high quality seeds specifically for sprouting because many garden varieties have been treated.
So what can you sprout? The most common seeds for sprouting include alfalfa, broccoli, chickpeas, mung beans, fenugreek, peas, and various other legumes and grains. Seeds like sunflower and wheat (wheat berries) are soaked overnight and then placed in a flat tray of organic potting soil. After the “sunnies” or wheat grass is an inch or two high, cut it and use it in salads, sandwiches, healthy smoothies, or anywhere you would use fresh veggies. Sprouting is a simple and inexpensive way to introduce super healthy living food to any diet. Happy Sprouting!
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