Sprout… Sprouting… Sprouted!

What is a SPROUT?

–verb (used without object) to begin to grow; shoot forth, as a plant from a seed.



*dictionary.comWhat is a SPROUTING?Sprouting is the practice of germinating seeds to be eaten either raw or cooked.
*wikipedia.org
What has SPROUTED?
Success

*Sha Chicks



On a recent trip Ling Ling had a salad made mostly of sprouts. In this time away from her non-sprout region (her kitchen), she noticed sprouts on burgers, being used as garnish, mixed in stir-fry... AND it was all good!

This brings us to today. Ling said she would like to try and grow sprouts. Well if she is going to try, so am I.

This is how we went about it….

What you need:

Jar- We chose a canning jar with a screw-on lid. Any recycled well cleaned jar will work.

Screen- Make a simple screen to fit under the screw-on lid. We used aluminum window screen. You can use cheese cloth and a rubber band or twine.

Seeds- Found at your feed and seed store or order online. (Freeze until you need them)Organic seeds are best other seeds may be treated with fungicides.

What to do:

Measure & Pour seeds in jar, fill jar half way with water and soak overnight.

small seeds: 2-3 tablespoons

medium seeds: 1/4-1/2 cup

large beans and grains: 1 cup

Rinse seeds often. All seeds, and particularly the wheat, spelt, and flaxseeds, are susceptible to mold if not rinsed properly and frequently (2 - 6 times per day). To rinse, fill jar ½ way with water to cover the seed and swirl. Drain water off. Make sure the jar opening is not covered with seed. We don’t want any yucky mold.

Each time you drain the water off , tilt the jars with the opening down on a towel or dish drain. The goal is to have air circulate in the jar so tilt and leave screen not covered with seed.

Wait 3 to 5 days sprouting times are different for all seeds.

Two leaves will appear for each of the sprouting types, at which point they should be ready.

Refrigerate and use in 2-3 days

Failure is an option!!! Just ask Ling; she has yet to find success in her sprouting endeavor. If this happens to you just start over. Keep notes so you will know what worked or what didn’t.

Below is a list of seeds that we sprouted (or attempted to sprout) & our opinion their taste….

Arrow Leaf Clover:

somewhat mild flavor, slightly bitter 

Sugar Snap Peas:

technically not “done”, yellow sprouts had a mildly bitter flavor; green sprouts were not palatable

California Black Eyes:
technically not “done”, nutty flavor, texture of a raw corn kernel, great for salad, slightly sweet

Mustard:

herbal flavor, hot, good toping with grilled chicken salad

Cabbage:

mild, bland, good filler for salads

VNS Alfalfa Seed: grew early, slight mold development, should have refrigerated after sprouts developed

Here are the Sha Chicks choices for best sprout source…

Best seeds: Cabbage, California Black Eyes

The wrap up…

To maintain a constant supply of sprouts, a new jar must be started every three days. We however, will be sprouting less often for the occasional chicken treat or to spice up a salad. Never eat anything that is molding!

Sprouts, Successes and Failures,

Master Sprouter Crutch & Sprouter Apprentice Ling Ling