from Becoming Vegetarian
The process of sprouting greatly increases the availability to the body of zinc and other minerals in legumes, grains, nuts, and seeds. Sprouts, which are also loaded with vitamins and phytochemicals, add an interesting texture and flavour to salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries. They can be a valuable way to get fresh foods in challenging circumstances, for example, in northern winters, when lit tle local produce is available, while sailing, or when one is far from produce markets. Campers and people living in remote areas (such as tree planters) can set up sprouting centres. Backpackers and cyclists have even been known to dangle mesh bags of sprouts from their packs! Sprout care is so simple that rinsing them and watch ing them grow may become a favourite occupation of young children.
Basic care of sprouts involves keeping them moist while providing drainage and air circulation. In the kitchen, place them on a countertop near a sink. Sprouts are healthiest when they are rinsed often and well drained. In warm weather, they mature more quickly and require frequent rinsing to keep them cool. Hot direct sun light can “cook” them; shade is better. To “green” alfalfa sprouts and sunflower greens, a balance of sun and shade works well.
Home sprout growing can be set up with jars, sprout bags, trays, or an automatic sprout grower. With all of these, you follow more or less the same method. In Table 14.2, we summarize the basic steps for a few of the dried legumes or raw, unhulled, unsalt ed seeds that you might like to sprout, giving the amounts for a 1 litre (1 quart) jar. You may grow your sprouts in wide-neck mason jars (these come in 1 litre (1 quart) sizes and in 2 litre (½ gallon/2 quart) sizes. Replace the lids that come with the mason jars with sprouting lids, available at many health food stores (these have lit tle holes that allow for the necessary air circulation) or with mesh held on with an elastic band.
Nada’s Tips & Tricks: This is a great project to get kids involved…they see the wonder of bringing something to life from a simple seed. Of course, the wonder of it all extends to adults! 😊
Contents and images used with permission by Harper Collins Canada. https://www.harpercollins.ca/9781443427128/becoming-vegetarian-revised/