News of alfalfa sprout recalls prompted us to call our mother. Why? Because when we were in kindergarten, she came and taught everyone how to grow their own sprouts in a jar. It seems like a good idea now that we're adults looking for more organic, locally-grown food. Our own kitchen is as local as it gets.
How To Grow Your Own Alfalfa Sprouts: Part One
When we wrote about our favorite sprouts sandwich last week, wvlinz posted a comment on how to grow sprouts. Our method is very similar. It's easy, and since the entire process only lasts a few days, you get instant gratification.
All you need is a mason jar, some cheese cloth, a rubber band, and some alfalfa seeds. We bought our seeds at a health food store, which only sold one-pound bags, so we may need to find some neighbors who love sprouts, too.
To get started:
- Put 2 tablespoons of seeds into the jar.
- Cover them with a few inches of cool water.
- Cover the top of the jar with cheese cloth and secure with a rubber band.
- Allow the seeds to soak overnight, then drain off the water.
For the next few days, rinse the seeds in the morning and evening by filling the jar with some water, swishing the seeds around, and draining them. Store the jar in a spot away from direct sunlight.
We're on day two with our seeds, so we'll report back on our progress.
UPDATED!
• See the grown sprouts, just six days later: How To Grow Your Own Alfalfa Sprouts: Part Two
• Our favorite sprouts sandwich: Sprouts and Cream Cheese on Whole Grain Bread
Republished post originally posted March 10, 2008.
(Images: Elizabeth Passarella)
Comments (13)
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Ive been looking for the seeds - I am definately going to try growing them.
view SleepyDweller's profile
How often do you use alfalfa sprouts? I definitely like the idea of growing them myself, but I just don't often think of them when I am cooking.
The New Cook
view Andy2's profile
I actually eat "super sprouts" - a box of mixed sprouts, as my base for daily lunch salad, since I don't really care for lettuces. A big pile of sprouts is so delicious!
view cheflaura's profile
I'm real interested to see how this goes. I grow sprouts from this kit all the time for my cat, but would love to grow some for myself to eat. I'm definitely interested in finding out more on places to get the seeds!
view FromTheFuture's profile
I just started growing sprouts this week after my order from sproutpeople.com arrived. They have a huge selection of seeds and a lot of great information on their site as well. All of their seeds are organic too. I ordered four different varieties: broccoli, mung, peasant mix, and French mix. The Easygrower container that I ordered was really easy to use. My peasant sprouts are ready today and I can't wait to have some in a salad with our grilled chicken tonight. Happy sprouting!
view pea's profile
I used to grow my own sprouts in the 70's and 80's, and I really love the taste of alfalfa sprouts. I stopped when the safety of the sprouts came into question, but I would love to start again. I had heard reports that it wasn't only the sprouts that could be contaminated, but also the seeds, making even home-grown sprouts unsafe. Does anyone have any information on the safety of the seeds?
view pgw's profile
I'd love to grow my own sprouts but I can't find anywhere a place to buy the seeds. Can anyone help me ?
_______
security systems
view EddieSmith's profile
Can you buy alfalfa sprouts from the store and keep them growing by just keeping them in the sun, and damp?
view vstoneman47's profile
you can sprout anything with the jar method!
lentils and wheat berries are delicious sprouted. and so easy!
view elbow's profile
if you have an indian store around, your could buy the seeds from there. It is called methi
view missmay's profile
Hi EddieSmith. I get mine from my local co-op food market... in the bulk section with the spices. I use the "salad mix" which has radish, clover and lentils along with the alfalfa. Here's a link to the Frontier website. (my co-op carries this brand) You can see all the sprouting seeds and the mixes... and you can order too. (I found the lentils take a day or two longer to sprout but it's really worth the wait. Yum!)
http://www.frontiercoop.com/prodlist.php?ct=dfmss
view burrda2000's profile
You can sprout any bean - it just takes longer with some than others. You can even sprout chickpeas (although those take a while and you need to monitor them carefully). Try mung bean sprouts - they're fast and really hearty.
view mstinagray's profile
A video I did on home sprouting - very easy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs4QI1QAdHM
view Bushidoka's profile