How to Sprout Alfalfa Seeds
Alfalfa sprouts are a popular choice for garnishing sandwiches, wraps, salads and many other foods. Not only do they add a hint of flavor to many popular dishes, but they also boast numerous health benefits because they are high in antioxidants and vitamins. While they are readily available at most supermarkets, growing your own alfalfa sprouts is quick, inexpensive and extremely easy to do. In addition to having sprouts on demand whenever you want them and saving money, growing your own alfalfa sprouts also means that you're getting the freshest produce available. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Organic alfalfa seeds
- Tablespoon
- Butter knife
- Large glass mason jar
- Rubber band
- Cheesecloth
- Water
- Plastic or glass jar with lid
Instructions
-
-
1
Purchase a packet of alfalfa sprouting seeds at an organic market, farmers market or health food store. Because of the increasing popularity of sprouting, you may even be able to find alfalfa seeds in the produce section of your local supermarket. If you are unable to locate them in your area, several online vendors sell alfalfa seeds, both in packets and bulk packages. Regardless of the source, be sure that any seeds you buy are organic to ensure that they have not been treated with pesticides or chemicals of any kind.
-
2
Place approximately 1 tsp. to 1.5 tsp. alfalfa seeds into a glass mason jar. Pour two or three inches of water directly over the seeds before covering the glass jar with a piece of cheesecloth. The cheesecloth needs only to be large enough to cover the rim of the mason jar allowing for a slight overlap. Secure the cheesecloth with a rubber band. Place the mason jar in a cool, dry location away from any direct sun. Ideally, the temperature should be 65 to 75 degrees.
-
-
3
Allow the alfalfa seeds to soak overnight. The next day pour out the all of the water through the cheesecloth. Remove the cheesecloth and use a butter knife or other dull implement to gently stir the damp seeds in the jar. Fill the jar with clean water and swish the seeds around. Secure the jar with a new piece of cheesecloth and a rubber band.
-
4
Repeat this process of over four to six days. The seeds should begin sprouting within two to three days. You may notice small patches of seeds that have failed to sprout. Simply remove and discard them. By the fifth day place the mason jar in a sunny location for about 20 minutes. Doing so helps encourage the enzymes that make the sprouts nice and green.
-
5
Harvest your sprouts on the fifth or sixth day. Remove the sprouts from the jar and place them in a clean glass or plastic container with a lid and refrigerate. Use the sprouts that you've grown in the next 24 to 36 hours. Discard any uneaten sprouts after that time.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If the contents of your alfalfa sprouting jar display an unpleasant or foul odor at any point, throw out the contents immediately and do not eat.
Pregnant women and people with systemic lupus should check with their doctors before eating alfalfa sprouts to determine the safety of consumption, as alfalfa sprouts contain small amounts of a naturally occurring amino acid called canavanine, which may pose a health risk.
