How to Grow Sprouts in a Jar
Sprouts are a versatile source of protein, vitamins and minerals. With a glass jar, seeds and less than a week's time you can enjoy some fresh, homegrown sprouts on your sandwich, stir fry or salad. For variety, use nuts, grains or beans in addition to your seeds to grow an assortment of sprouts. By using a system of jars, starting a new one every three days, you can keep your household stocked with sprouts all year long. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Seeds
- Jar
- Water
- Cheesecloth or nylon
- Rubber band or metal band
- Towel
- Light
Instructions
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1
Measure and rinse your seeds before putting them into at least a quart-sized glass jar. Use 2 to 3 tbsp. of small seeds or 1/4 to 1/2 cup of medium seeds.
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2
Cover your seeds with water so you have 3 inches of water above the level of the seeds.
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3
Place a clean cheesecloth over the lid of your jar and secure it with a band.
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4
Allow your seeds to soak overnight in warm water.
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5
Drain the water off of your seeds and rinse them thoroughly. Drain again.
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6
Store the jar of seeds in a dark place. Place the jar on its side--with the seeds evenly dispersed within it--at an angle that allows excess water to drain out through the cheesecloth. Place a towel under the jar to soak up the leaking water.
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7
Move the jar to a sunny southern window or put it under fluorescent lights after a three days or when you notice the seeds starting to sprout. You can put them in light before they spout, but give the seeds at least two day of darkness.
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8
Rinse and drain your seeds every day, at least once a day for about four to six days. Then once again disperse the seeds evenly and rest the jar at an angle to allow excess water to drain.
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9
Harvest your sprouts by simply pulling them out of the jar. Use them immediately or store them in the refrigerator.
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Tips & Warnings
Many different seeds, beans, nuts and grains can be used to make sprouts. One very common seed used for sprouting is alfalfa. Clover, broccoli, garbanzo beans, almonds, wheat berries, rye and hazelnuts all sprout easily. For large, crunchy sprouts use lentils or sunflower seeds. Radish seeds make a spicy sprout.
Use 1 cup of nuts or grains when sprouting. Use 2 cups of sunflower seeds.
The water you drain off your seeds after the initial soak is full of nutrients. Use this water for in a health shake or pour it onto your houseplants.
