Welcome Urban Farmers!
Are You Ready To Sprout At Home?
What are sprouts?
Sprouts are simply vegetables in their first days or stages of growth, and sprouting is the natural process by which seeds germinate and grow.
Why should I grow sprouts at home?
Here's why you should start Sprouting at Home:
- Superfood: Sprouts have been considered one of the most complete and nutritional foods on the planet. They are true superfoods and are so nutrient dense. Boost your immune system and feel better with sprouts! Why spend money on a ton of supplements or other foods when sprouts are packed with all you need?
- Emergency Preparedness: These times of COVID-19 have proven that growing your own veggies is an excellent alternative to first: have the product on hand if the grocery store runs out of the product or is not fresh, and second: to minimize the spreading of bacteria and germs by lessening the frequency of leaving home to go buy fresh produce.
- Fun and Educational Family Activity: Kids are amazed to see how sprouts grow in just a few days. Sprouting teaches them where food comes from. Plus, it encourages them to eat more veggies.
- Sustainability: Without the need for large space, chemicals, additives or even soil, sprouts are the epitome of sustainable farming. All you need is fresh clean water. 1 tbsp of seeds yields enough sprouts for several servings everyday. When you eat sprouts, you eat the roots too so there is almost no waste.
What seeds should I use?
You want to buy seeds that are specifically labelled for sprouting. Our seeds are certified organic and are sourced only from reliable seed providers in the USA. All have been lab tested to be free of pathogens like e.coli and salmonella, as well as for purity and high germination rates.
As far as storage goes, for optimum results, keep them at cool temperatures and lower humidity. They can be kept at room temperature up to a year. To extend shelf life and germination, refrigerate them.
What tools or equipment do I need?
You basically don’t need any special or expensive equipment!
The most basic and least expensive method uses the supplies listed below. There are also automatic watering systems and sprouting trays for those who want to grow sprouts vertically like microgreens.
Basic supplies needed are:
1. Wide mouth mason jar
2. Sprouting lid (or cheese cloth and rubber band)
3. Tray (optional)
4. Seeds
5. Bleach (optional)
Let's start sprouting!
Sprouting Instructions from our Master Farmer, Manny:
1. Fill the mason jar with clean water to 400 ML level
2. Add 6 drops of bleach to the water (optional)
3. Pour 1 tbsp of seeds into the mason jar with clean water.
4. Soak the seeds for 15 min. and stir occasionally
5. After 15 min. pour out the water and refill with clean water. Repeat 2 more times. This should have removed the bleach. If you want to be extra sure, use a total chlorine test strip. Dip the test strip in the water for 2 seconds and match the color to the guide. The level of your mason jar water should be the same as tap water (around 3 or less.)
6. Soak the seeds in water (typically 2 hours. Broccoli may take up to 4 hours. Beans may even take 8 hours.)
7. Screw on the sprouting lid or cheese cloth and rubber band. Pour out the water and rinse the seeds with clean water. Be sure to drain out as much water as possible.
8. Seeds are now ready for growing. Make sure that the seeds are on the wall or base of the jar and not on the lid. Keep the jar at about 45 degrees angled with the lid facing down. Place the jar on a tray to catch excess water dripping out.
9. Rinse the seeds 2 times every 8 hours with clean water (cool water preferred.)
10. Sprouts like alfalfa and broccoli are ready at 96 to 104 hours (approximately 4 days.) Beans like mung or our Crunchy Mix are ready in 36 hours.
11. Give the sprouts one last rinse with cool clean water. Drain as much water out as possible. Excess water will cause them to decay. Refrigerate if not consuming them right away.
Growing sprouts indoors at home simply requires good light, air flow, and a clean water source.
Enjoy a Fresh, Healthy and Educational experience!
Share your progress! Take pictures and share with us on Instagram #befulleiathome
How do you eat sprouts?
Once you’ve harvested your sprouts you are ready to eat them!
Here we give you 7 ideas on how to incorporate sprouts immediately into your diet:
1. Swap lettuce for sprouts in your sandwich, burger or taco
2. Add sprouts to tossed salads (alfalfa, mung beans, or mixed lentils sprouts)
3. For breakfast, mix sprouts into cooked cereal or blend them into pancake batters
4. Blend with your favorite drinks or smoothies
5. Add sprouts to warm meals such as rice dishes, stir-fries, omelettes, soups or freshly made burger patties.
6. Mix sprouts with soft cheeses or salsa and serve as a dip
7. Eat sprouts fresh and uncooked, as a snack
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