Sprouting

Sprouts are an alkalizing, living food rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes.  They are easy to

grow and can be added to salads, sandwiches or smoothies!

I like to purchase organic sprouting seed mixes.  You can sprout whatever seeds you have.  Typically if you buy a package of sprouting seeds they will have directions on the package.  

I use a canning jar and sprouting lid.  You can get sprouting lids at any health food store for around $1.50.  The lids have either a plastic or stainless steel mesh covering the top and the lids fit on a wide-mouth mason jar (canning jar).  Sprouting lids make it very simple to drain your seeds after each rinse without loosing the seeds down the drain. 

Here are general directions for sprouting seeds.

Place 1 tablespoon of seeds into a canning jar.  Cover the seeds with water, place sprouting lid on canning jar and soak for 3-4 hours.  Rinse and drain the seeds.  Spread evenly in on the bottom of the jar by shaking the jar lightly.  Sprouts must be rinsed and drained 2-3 times per day and kept from light (placing the sprouting seeds in a cupboard is best).  I typically make a note that reads "sprouts" and post it somewhere where I will see it often throughout the day and it will remind me to rinse my sprouts.  Rinsing your sprouts 2-3 times in a 24 hour period is plenty.  On the 3rd of 4th day they are ready to eat!  You can place them in the refrigerator and use them when needed.  They should last another 2-3 days after placing them in the refrigerator.  If you use sprouts on a daily basis (for smoothies or salads) then as soon as you have one jar in the refrigerator ready to eat you'll want to start another jar sprouting.  This way you won't be without sprouts!  Enjoy!