How Long Do I Soak Broccoli Seeds to Sprout?

Broccoli sprouts are rich in cancer fighting compounds.

Broccoli sprouts are nutritionally dense greens, and in 1997, Dr. Paul Talalay from John Hopkins University found they are richer in cancer fighting compounds that full-frown broccoli heads. (Reference 4) Broccoli sprouts are also very easy to grow at home.

Soak

To wake up the dormant seeds, place about 1/4 cup of broccoli seeds in a quart-sized wide-mouth canning jar. Fill the jar with lukewarm water and secure a piece of cheesecloth over the top of the jar with a rubber band or twist on a sieve-like lid made for sprouting. Let the seeds soak for about 12 hours.

Rinse

After 12 hours, the soaked seeds are ready for sprouting. Pour the water out of the jar through the cheesecloth or sieve, keeping the seeds inside the jar. Invert the jar, tip it to a 45-degree angle and let it rest in a bowl. Rinse the seeds and return the jar to the inverted angled position every 12 hours.

Storage

After 36 hours, the jar should be filling up with edible sprouts. Continue rinsing the seeds every 12 hours until the jar is full. Remove the cheesecloth or sieve lid and replace with a solid lid and refrigerate.

References

• Virginia Cooperative Extension: Sprouting Seeds for Food
• University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension: Broccoli Sprouts
• PSA Rising: Broccoli Seeds and Sprouts
• John Hopkins University: Cancer Protection Compound Abundant in Broccoli Sprouts