Do you want to know the best sprouts to plant at home and be able to have them on hand whenever you feel like consuming them? Then pay close attention to this article, because we bring you information that interests you.
The good thing is that you can easily grow them at home through a simple process. You just need a little water, seeds, and some patience to wait for nature to take its course.
What are sprouts and why should you consume them?
Sprouts are tender shoots of seeds, grains or legumes that have already begun to grow but have not fully developed. For example, if we take a carrot sprout, what we take is eThe first sprout that comes out of the seed of this vegetable, not the carrot itself.
Sprouts have become very popular because they have high nutritional value and are low in fat.. We can consume them alone or add them as ingredients to salads, sandwiches or different dishes.
Here are some reasons to encourage you to consume sprouts:
- Concentrated nutrients. Sprouts are a “bomb” of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that are good for the body.
- Easy digestion They are easily absorbed by the body.
- Variety of flavors. From each seed we can obtain a different flavor. For example, broccoli sprouts are slightly spicy, while alfalfa sprouts are very mild and fresh.
- Culinary versatility. With a little imagination, you can get a lot of use out of them in the kitchen. Its crunchy texture gives a unique touch to your dishes.
- Health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that help the body's well-being.
How to grow sprouts at home
You need to have the following materials:
- Seeds to germinate. Make sure you choose varieties that are suitable for consumption in sprout form.
- Glass jars or germination trays.
- Filtered water. It is important that the water you give the seeds is filtered to prevent them from receiving contaminants.
- Kitchen cloths or cotton meshes. They are used to cover the seeds and provide them with a moist environment.
When you have all this ready, you can start growing sprouts by following these steps:
Seed selection and cleaning
Go to your distribution center and choose high quality seeds that are suitable for consumption in sprouts. Then we will see some of the most commonly consumed varieties.
Once you have them at home, make sure wash them well under running water to eliminate any possible residue or impurity they may have.
Initial soak
Place the cleaned seeds in a glass jar or germination tray and cover them with filtered water. Let them soak for a few hours.
The best thing in this case is to soak them in the afternoon and leave them like this all night, to continue working with them the next day.
Drain and rinse
After soaking, remove the water and rinse the seeds again, this time with filtered water. Put them back in the jar or tray and make sure they are well arranged.
Leave a little space between them, so that the sprout can grow without encountering obstacles on their way.
Germination
Place a cotton cloth or mesh over the mouth of the jar and secure it with an elastic band. Tilt the jar slightly so the seeds can breathe and any excess water can drain.
Daily rinse
From then on, you have to rinse the seeds with filtered water twice a day, in the morning and at night. On every occasion, Make sure to drain the water well after each rinse.
Within a few days you should start to see sprouts. You will have to follow this dynamic that we have seen until you consider that the sprouts have the desired length for consumption.
Harvest and storage
When they are ready, remove the sprouts from the jar and rinse them well. Store them in the refrigerator and consume them within a maximum of four or five days so that they do not lose their freshness.
What happens if you don't change the water in the sprouts?
The rinsing and water change process that we have described is essential so that you can enjoy all the benefits that sprouts have for your health. Not changing the water as many times as necessary is harmful to both the seeds and you:
- Bacterial and microbial contamination. Stagnant water becomes a perfect breeding ground for the appearance of harmful microorganisms that can later reach your body when you eat the sprouts.
- Mold development. Excess humidity usually generates mold, and you already know that this is especially dangerous for your health.
- Changes in smell and taste. Even if the seeds do not spoil, not having done all the necessary water changes causes the sprouts to lose quality. You will notice that its smell and taste are not the same as always. You may also notice that the texture is not as crunchy as usual.
- Nutrient reduction. Stagnant water affects the absorption of nutrients by the seeds and, consequently, the nutritional value of the sprouts will decrease.
10 easy sprouts to plant and consume at home
Making sprouts at home is not complicated. Of course, it is a bit tedious because you have to dedicate a little time to them. every day in order to make them grow well.
If you are looking for the best sprouts to plant at home, here are 10 options that you will love:
- Sunflower seeds.
- Radishes
- Green peas.
- Wheat.
- Beet.
- Basil.
- Broccoli.
- arugula
- Carrot.
- Mustard.
By following the advice we have seen, you will have it easy to enjoy the best sprouts to plant at home in complete safety. Buy quality seeds of cereals, vegetables that we have recommended and enjoy their flavor and all the benefits they have for your body. What do you think of the idea of making your own sprouts? Have you ever tried it? We would love to hear about your experience, share it with us through the comments!