How to Grow Sprouting Seeds

Add a crunch to any meal by growing your own sprouts.  There’s so many seeds to try: alfalfa, broccoli, radish, sunflower, mung beans, and more!

Sprouts (also known as sprouting seeds or bean sprouts) are a very nutritious food source.  They’re a great way to add nutrients to your diet during the winter season when fresh local produce is limited.  Sprouts are the small shoots that initially break through the hard outer layer of seed.  Bean sprouts are a common type found in grocery stores, but there are lots of other delicious sprouts to try.  

Growing sprouts from seeds is easy and economical.  It’s a delicious way to add excitement and crunch to your sandwiches and wraps, soups, salads, or stir-fry dishes.  The only equipment required is a 32-ounce mason jar, a sprouting lid or a small screen, rubber bands, seeds, water, and time.

First, you’ll need seeds.  You can buy seeds locally or from one of these companies: 

• Johnny Selected Seeds
• High Mowing Organic Seeds – We recommend the Ancient Eastern Blend

Once you have your seeds, you can start your sprouting seed journey at home:

1. Clean a 32-ounce mason jar and sprouting lid in hot soapy water. Rinse well.
2. Add two tablespoons of sprouting seeds to the clean jar and 2 cups of filtered cold water. Screw on the sprouting lid and let the seeds soak for at least 8 hours or overnight.
3. With the lid still on, drain the water from the sprouting seeds. Rinse with cold filtered water and drain again. Store the sprouting seeds at an angle or upside down in a clean bowl so the water can continue to drain.
4. Repeat step three, rinsing and draining every 8-12 hours for 3 to 5 days, until the seeds germinate and the sprouts begin to grow.

The sprouting seeds are ready to eat! 

After your seeds have all sprouted they are now ready to eat. Add them to your next sandwich or favorite recipe. Store sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.