How to Sprout Amaranth

Amaranth is a grain with a tiny seed that produces a slightly bitter, highly nutritious food when you sprout it. Amaranth is easy to sprout, and the grain is rich in vitamins, minerals and protein.

Things You'll Need

• Amaranth seeds
• Cheesecloth
• Colander
• Glass jar
• Light cloth

Instructions

1. Place a piece of cheesecloth inside your colander to prevent the tiny seeds from being washed away. Place the amaranth on top. Rinse the seeds thoroughly, and then transfer them into a wide-mouthed glass jar. Cover the seeds with water and soak for just 2 hours.

2. Drain and rinse the seeds again and place them in the jar. Cover with a light cloth. Place the jar in a cool location out of direct sunlight to begin sprouting. Rinse and drain the seeds every 4 to 6 hours.

3. Rinse one last time after two days or when the sprouts have grown at least 1/4-inch roots. Drain the sprouts and store them in the refrigerator for no more than 1 week.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprout only as much amaranth as you can eat in about 1 week. Final measurements will vary slightly, but 1 cup of amaranth should grow about 1/5 cups of sprouts. While amaranth sprouts grow quickly, they do not last long under refrigeration.

• Choose organic amaranth whenever possible, as rinsing and sprouting does not remove chemicals present in the seeds.