Growing Edible Sprouts/Jars

Growing sprouts in a jar is very simple and does not require any specialized equipment, but certain minor equipment makes growing sprouts easier and cleaner.

One method for growing alfalfa sprouts in jars uses

• quart-size wide-mouth mason jar
• perforated lid
• 2 tablespoons sprouting seed
• bowl
• strainers
• paper towel
• storage container (quart-size zip-lock bag works well)

1. Put the seeds in the mason jar and add a few of inches of cool water. Swirl the seeds around in the jar to get rid of bubbles clinging to the seeds. Put the perforated lid on. Soak the seeds overnight.
2. The next morning, drain off the water. Rinse the seeds 3 or 4 times with fresh cool water. Drain off the water and shake the jar upside down a few times to get any extra water out. Sit the jar upright. Do not put it in direct sunlight.
3. Every 12 hours (8 a.m. and 8 p.m. usually works well), rinse the sprouts 2-3 times with fresh water and drain or shake the extra water out before setting the jar upright. Do this for five days.
4. Fill a big bowl with water. Take the lid off the jar and pull the sprouts into the bowl. Separate the clumps of sprouts. Push the seed hulls to the side of the bowl (or skim them off), and lift out the sprouts. Put the sprouts in a strainer, rinse them, let them drain, then lay the sprouts on a paper towel for a few hours to dry. When they are dry to the touch, put them in a sealed container in the fridge.

Equipment

Perforated lids