Growing Sprouts in 10 Easy Steps

What You Need to Grow Sprouts

• Clean glass or plastic jars (pint or quart size work well)
• Netting: nylon tulle, fiberglass screen, or nylon stocking to cover opening (cheesecloth works but seeds cling)
• Rubber bands or screw-top metal canning bands
• Certified organic sprouting seeds (beans, alfalfa, grasses, brassicas like broccoli), cleaned of non-seed material
• Water (nonchlorinated preferred)

Growing Sprouts in 10 Easy Steps

1. Place 1–4 tablespoons seeds in a wide-mouth jar.
2. Cover with mesh netting, secure with rubber band or canning ring.
3. Rinse seeds with lukewarm water, swirl, drain. Use nonchlorinated water for best results.
4. Add 1 cup lukewarm water. Soak 12–24 hours.
5. Drain water.
6. Rinse seeds twice daily with lukewarm to cool water, swirling to rinse all.
7. Drain excess after each rinse to prevent fermentation/spoilage. If seeds smell funny or don't sprout, drain more thoroughly.
8. Keep jar at room temperature (68–72°F). Keep out of cabinets—seeds need air circulation. For dark-preferring seeds (e.g., mung beans), wrap jar with foil/paper but leave top open. Lay jars on sides for more spreading room.
9. In 3–6 days, when sprouts are 1–2 inches long (varies by type), rinse thoroughly before eating.
10. Dry unused sprouts. Store in covered container in refrigerator 1–2 weeks.

Tips for Seed Sprouting

Fuzzy white root hairs appear on radish, canola, mustard, and other cruciferous sprouts—they mash against the sprout when rinsed, seeming to disappear. Taste as they grow; use when you like them best. To green up, uncover for a few hours in bright (not direct) sunlight.

Why Sprout Your Own Seeds?

Sprouts are low-fat, cholesterol-free, and provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. Add to scrambled eggs, omelets, salads, sandwiches, wraps, stir-fries, soups (add just before serving for crunch). Stir into bread dough before baking. With a ~10-day cycle, you can maintain a continuous crop year-round, even in winter. Buy seeds from health food stores, mail-order, co-ops, or supermarkets. Avoid garden seeds—they may be fungicide-coated.