Sproutin' Seeds

I recently wrote an article on the how tos of sprouting on the Today's Woman website.  You can find it here:

http://www.todayswomannow.com/2013/01/sprouting-edible-seeds-how-to-make.html

I also wanted to post in on the blog because my family and friends have recently been enjoying their hand at sprouting.  My friend Daryn told me today that her daughter even calls these amazing sprouts "candy".  Wow!  You can't beat that...healthy and delicious!

So here ya go.....grab a jar and some seeds and get sprouting!

Well, I did it! After reading about it for years, I finally sprouted seeds/grain for eating. To fulfill my New Year’s Resolution of eating healthier and also to combat those nasty winter blues, I recently tried my hand at sprouting. During the winter months, it’s perfect to add something nutritious, green, fresh, and live to your diet. Why in the world did I put this off so long? It was easy. No, really, I mean it….so EASY. Grab a jar, some seeds, and water and let me teach you how!


Am I crazy? Why in the world would I want to sprout my own seeds?
Nutrients! Lots of great nutrients: antioxidants, protein, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, just to name a few. Also, when seeds are soaked and sprouted, the phytic acid is neutralized, retaining their natural plant enzymes and making them much more digestible, encouraging growth of good bacteria to help keep the colon clean. As well as retaining the enzymes, seeds also retain the nutrients that would otherwise be destroyed by cooking, creating a super food that is high in protective antioxidants, and not to mention the lower glycemic index is much friendlier to your blood sugar.

How to Sprout Seeds. It’s easy as 1 - 2- 3!

Step 1: Choose which seeds you will use for sprouting. There are so many to choose from: wheat berries, mung beans, radish, alfalfa, lentil, and broccoli, just to name a few. I chose wheat berries since it's what I had on hand. (I purchase my seeds in bulk from a wonderful, local business; Simple Traditions Bulk Food and Mercantile

http://simpletraditionsbulk.blogspot.com/.

Step 2: Fill a jar @ 1/3 or 1/2 full of seeds. Cover seeds or grain with water and let soak overnight. I used wheat berries for this sprouting project.

In the morning, drain seeds through a fine sieve. If you are like me and don’t have a fine sieve or are completely unaware of what in the world a sieve is, you can use a piece of CLEAN nylon stocking or a NEW nylon footie. The elastic holds it nicely in place on the jar.

Step 3: Place the jar of drained seeds in a warm dark place. The best temperature to sprout most seeds is between 70 and 75 degrees. Place jar on a saucer or plate underneath to catch any drips. Rinse the seeds twice a day in the morning and evening, making sure to drain off all excess water.

Step 4: On the 3^rd or 4^th day, you can move the jar into the sunlight when sprouts appear to encourage the formation of green sprouts. Continue to rinse and drain them at least twice a day. Remove the finished sprouts from the jar and rinse away hulls and drain in a colander. Store in the refrigerator and use up within 3-4 days.


We have been enjoying them on salads, omelets, and sandwiches. My kids favorite way to eat them is plain, right out of the jar. They just can't seem to get enough of them these days, which makes this mama oh so happy!

Sprouting….a healthy, easy, and delicious way to grow something else besides mold spores in your kitchen!

~The Manna Mama