Grow sprouts in a jar and you’ll find it is as easy as turning on the faucet a few times a day! Growing sprouts doesn’t have to involve specialized equipment. All it takes is an empty jar, cloth, and some daily TLC.

Even more important is the nutrition and texture growing sprouts brings to your daily diet. Sprouts are a powerhouse of nutrients, essentially concentrating the nutrition of seeds in a more digestible plant form. Read on to learn how to grow sprouts in the comfort of your home.

Equipment

To grow sprouts, you will need a wide-mouth jar, a cheese cloth that you can use as a lid, and a rubber band to seal the cloth tight.

Seeds

Look for seeds that are labeled “sprouting seeds” or “for sprouting”. This is important for several reasons. The label ensures that the seeds will indeed spout properly as well as most likely have been cleaned and hence devoid of pathogens. If unlabeled, reach for organic seeds to ensure there are not fungicides, pesticides, or other things you don’t want to ingest. The most common beans, seeds, and grains to grow sprouts are alfalfa, lentil, mung, rye, yellow soy, and wheat. Experiment with radish, beet, pea shoot, red clover, barley, amaranth, broccoli, and sunflower sprouts as well!

Sprouting Process

1. Place 1-2 tablespoons of seeds in a jar and cover with 2-3 inches of water. Let soak overnight.
2. The next day, drain and rinse the seeds thoroughly with water. Drain and allow the seeds to remain wet in the jar wet, but not swimming in water.
3. Cover the top of the jar with a cheese cloth, muslin, or nylon. Secure with a rubber band.
4. Store the seeds in a place they don’t get direct sunlight. Rinse the seeds 2-3 times per day. Once rinsed, drain by turning the jar upside down at an angle, allowing the cheese cloth to act as a sieve to let excess water drain. Keep the jar in the this position, placing it in a small bowl of some sort so it can stay at the upside down angle.
   
5. Once they begin sprouting, place the jar somewhere it can receive sunlight to turn the sprouts green and allow them to grow larger.
6. After a few days the sprouts will need to be de-hulled. Shake the sprouts in water to separate the hulls, then drain.
7. After 3-7 days, depending on the variety, the sprouts should be ready to use. Sprouts are best when they are still small and turning green. 

Image: Darnlucky

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