Sprouts

Growing sprouts is actually a pretty simple process. The sprouting process has to happen in nature without the help of human hands, so it is pretty intuitive overall. ~ Information Source: Young and Raw facebook page- http://www.facebook.com/youngandraw?ref=ts&fref=ts

Step 1: Take your sprouting seed of choice, which could be alfalfa seed, broccoli seed, sunflower seeds, chickpeas, whatever you like, and give them a good wash. You can do this by placing them in a colander or strainer and just washing them under running water. If you are using beans, pick through them to remove any stones.

Step 2: Get yourself a large mason or sprouting jar, or a large bowl. Place 1-2 Tbsp of small seed, or 3-4 tbsp of larger beans in your vessel, and cover well with 4-5 times the volume of water. What you are doing in this stage is rehydrating and activating your seeds, so they need lots of water! Allow them to soak overnight.

Step 3: After your seeds have soaked, drain off the extra water, and then give them another good rinse.

Step 4: Store your sprouts either in a sprouting jar, a mason jar that has mesh covering over the opening, stored upside down, or in a colander over a bowl. If you don't have a mesh covering, you can use cheesecloth or even a nylon to put over the top. Sprouting jars are easily found online or at a health food store.

(The idea is that you want to be able to rinse your seeds several times a day, and then give them time to drain so that they do not end up sitting in a pool of water. They need lots of air flow.)

Step 5: Rinse your sprouts or beans 2-3 times a day. Depending upon your seed of choice, you should have sprouts within about 2-5 days. The sprouting process is much faster in hot/humid climates.

Step 6: Transfer your grown sprouts to a glass container and store them in the fridge and enjoy! Be sure to check your sprouts throughout the process for any molding and store them safely in a cool place once they are ready to eat.