How to Sprout Oats

Oats produce a thick sprout with a flavor not unlike milk, making them an appropriate addition to smoothies and soups. Oat sprouts are also rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and protein. Select unhulled oats for sprouting, as 'whole oats' and oat grouts do not sprout.

Things You'll Need

• Unhulled oats
• Fine mesh colander
• Glass jar
• Lightweight cloth

Instructions

1. Place your oats in a fine mesh colander and rinse. Transfer the oats into a wide-mouthed glass jar and cover them with water. Allow them to soak for 4 to 6 hours.

2. Drain the water from the oats and rinse them. Return the oats to the jar without water and cover the mouth of the jar with a light cloth. Keep the jar in a cool location away from direct sunlight.

3. Rinse your sprouts every 8 to 12 hours for 2 or 3 days, or until they have 1/4 inch tails. For best results, test your sprouts for flavor each time you rinse them.

4. Rinse the oat sprouts, and then seal the jar with it's lid. Keep the sprouts in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Sprout only as many oats as you can use in 1 or 2 weeks, keeping in mind that 2/3 cup of oats will yield about 1 cup of sprouts. Oats will continue to grow in the refrigerator and continued growth changes their flavor.