Grow-Your-Own Sprouts

Here's a photo of Broccoli Sprout Seeds, my Sprouting Jar with Lids, and the Broccoli Sprouts I grew in a week's time to put on my salad.

A while back, I attended a Lost River Market & Deli workshop on growing sprouts and came away so inspired that I purchased some sprout seeds, a sprouting jar with "screen top" lids and a recipe booklet.  Over the winter, I've grown my own sprouts to put on sandwiches, soups and salads.  They are so fresh tasting and crunchy!  I love the fact that they are nutritional powerhouses too.  As I grew my own sprouts, I was thinking what a great project for youngsters to do.  It's easy and it's fun watching the seeds turn into sprouts.  How proud they would be to serve what they grew themselves to their family.  Here are directions for growing Radish Sprouts which are the easiest to grow and will give you confidence to grow other sprouts.


You will need 2 Tablespoons Radish Sprout Seeds, 1 large Mason jar, sprouting lids or a piece of cheesecloth and a rubber band, water, and a towel.

1. Place the radish sprout seeds in the Mason jar.
2. Fill the jar with water about an inch or so above the seeds.
3. Leave the seeds to soak over night.
4. Drain the water.
5. Pour fresh warm (not hot!!) water into the jar with the seeds.
6. Place the sprouting lid on the jar. (Use one that has holes for draining which are smaller than the seeds so that the seeds don't come out.)  If you are using cheesecloth, cut a piece of cheesecloth so that it can be doubled over the opening of the jar.  Secure the cheesecloth over the jar opening with a rubber band.
7. Drain the water out of the jar.  The sprouting lid/cheesecloth will keep the seeds from falling out while draining.
8. Set the jar on its side and cover it with a towel so that sunlight does not enter the jar.
9. (I have found that if I place the jar in a warm place, the seeds sprout quicker.)
10. Rinse and drain the seeds at least twice a day, remembering to cover the jar with a towel once the water is drained.  Do not allow the seeds to dry out and do not allow them to sit in water.
11. Once the seeds begin to sprout, remove the towel to allow sunlight in.  This will turn the sprouts a lovely bright green.
12. When filling the jar with water to rinse the seeds, you may notice the seed hulls floating to the top.  Remove the lid/cheesecloth and scoop the hulls out and discard.  You probably won't be able to get them all.  That's okay.
13. Store the sprouts in the refrigerator after the sprouts turn green to keep them fresh.
14. Use your sprouts on salads, soups, wraps, and sandwiches.