Grow Sprouts at Home
Growing sprouts at home is really easy, if you know the right method. You have to decide the right seed, grain or bean for sprouting. The most commonly used ones are mung bean, chickpeas, clover seeds, fenugreek and alfalfa, adzuki bean, amaranth, annatto seed, anise seed, basil, brown rice, pinto bean, lima bean, buckwheat, canola seed, celery, cilantro, clover, cress, dill, fennel, green lentils, pearl millet, rye, sunflower, wheat berries, etc. It is better to go for organic ones, which are not treated with any chemicals. Otherwise, refrain from using those seeds, which are meant for sowing. Even though the basic method of sprouting is the same, it can be done in different ways. Let us take a look at how to grow sprouts in a jar, in trays and in soil.
How to Grow sprouts in a Jar
For any method of sprouting, soaking is the most important and primary step. You have to clean the seeds and remove the broken ones. Then wash the seeds well and keep it in water for a few minutes. Dirt, dead seeds and husk, etc. get accumulated on the water surface. Remove these things and wash the seeds again. The seeds have to be soaked for at least six to eight hours. It will be better to keep it soaking overnight. Always remember that the amount of water taken for soaking, must be three to four times, the volume of the seeds. Once the seeds get soaked, they expand in size and become soft. Strain the seeds to remove excess water. This can be done by pouring the soaked seeds through a cheese cloth placed on a strainer. Once the water is removed completely, you can transfer the seeds to a clean jar. Otherwise, fold the moist cheesecloth like a pouch, with the seeds inside and keep the pouch in a bowl. In both cases, you have to cover the opening (of the jar/bowl) with a thin moist cloth and keep the jar/bowl in a warm, dark place. Let it remain like that for a day. In colder regions, sprouting may take around two to three days. Once the seeds sprout, wash them again and store in a tight jar and keep it in the refrigerator. If the sprouted seeds are foul-smelling or very slimy, then, discard them. Now, you know how to grow sprouts in a jar. Read more on how to make sprouts.
How to Grow sprouts in Trays
In order to grow sprouts in trays, you can buy trays from garden supply stores or use a flat dish in your house. Spread a one-inch layer of soil on the bottom of the tray. The next step is to sprinkle the soaked seeds over the soil. Once you have completed that, place four layers of damp newspaper over the seeds and cover the surface with a clear plastic wrap and then cover the tray with another tray (upside down). Keep it in a warm place and water lightly (twice a day). Sprouting will take around three days. Let the sprouts grow for a few more days and then harvest them. In the latter case, you can keep the tray on a sunny windowsill (no direct sunlight), so that the sprouts turn green. Read more on sprouting lentils and sprouting quinoa.
Now, you have a basic idea about how to grow sprouts in soil and in jars, without soil. The above said method is one of the easiest about how to grow sprouts indoors. Follow these tips and you will be successful in growing alfalfa sprouts or any sprouts of your choice.
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