Grow Sprouts in Jars at home
- Janja Savic Popov
- May 3
- 3 min read
Growing your own supergreens at home is both fulfilling and beneficial for your health. It allows you to incorporate fresh, nutrient-rich greens into your diet. By using sprouting jars, you can easily transform simple seeds into vibrant sprouts. This guide will walk you through how to use sprouting jars to grow nutrient-packed alfalfa and broccoli sprouts in just a few simple steps.
Getting Started: What You'll Need
Gather these essential supplies to kick off your sprouting adventure:
Clean glass jars: Wide-mouthed jars work best.
Sprouting seeds: Alfalfa and broccoli seeds are recommended for their high vitamin content.
Water: Use filtered water to avoid any chemicals.
Sprouting trays or a colander: These facilitate drainage and airflow.
With this simple setup, you can begin growing your supergreens right at home.
Step-by-Step Guide to Sprouting Jars
Step 1: Prepare Your Seeds
Start by adding 1 tablespoon of your chosen seeds to each jar. Alfalfa and broccoli are not only easy to grow but also rich in nutrients. Alfalfa sprouts contain vitamins A, C, E, and K, while broccoli sprouts are known for their high concentration of sulforaphane, an antioxidant linked to cancer prevention.
Step 2: Soak the Seeds
Fill the jars with water and let the seeds soak for 4 to 8 hours. This initial soak activates the seeds, starting the sprouting process. For instance, soaking sweet clover seeds helps them germinate faster than if they were planted dry.
Step 3: Rinse and Drain
After soaking, discard the water to ensure cleanliness. Rinse the seeds with fresh water and gently swirl them in the jar. This rinse is crucial for keeping the seeds clean and preventing mold growth, which can ruin your sprouts.
Step 4: Position the Jars
To ensure proper drainage and airflow, turn the jars upside down at an angle. This helps excess water drain and allows fresh air to circulate. Positioning the jars near a light source will also aid in photosynthesis, which is vital for sprout development.
Step 5: Transfer to Sprouting Trays
After the seeds stick to the sides of the jar, transfer them to your sprouting trays. Make sure they are spread evenly to avoid overcrowding, which can hinder growth. A single tray can yield up to 1 cup of sprouts, helping you add daily nutrients without much effort.
Step 6: Rinse Regularly
Rinsing your sprouts twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening—is key. This keeps them moist and healthy. Research shows that sprouts can double in size within 3 to 5 days when rinsed properly.
Step 7: Watch Them Grow
By Day 4, your sprouts will start turning green, indicating they are developing chlorophyll. This is a sign that they are packing in more nutrients. The vitamin K content, specifically in broccoli sprouts, can increase by as much as 60% during this period.
Step 8: Store Safely
After Day 5, harvest your sprouts. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Consuming them fresh ensures you get the maximum nutritional benefits—these sprouts can contain up to 30% more nutrients than older sprouts.
Enjoying Your Homegrown Supergreens
Sprouting jars offer an easy and effective method to grow nutrient-rich greens in your kitchen. Fresh sprouts can elevate a variety of dishes, from salads to smoothies. Remember, if your sprouts ever develop a sour or musty smell, it's wise to discard them. Fresh sprouts should have a clean, earthy aroma.
Your journey into sprouting is just around the corner! Embrace the simplicity of the process, try growing different seeds, and relish the health benefits that come with homegrown supergreens. Happy sprouting!
Video link - step by step how to grow them:
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