Here’s a 101 Course on Sprouting Seeds–a bunch of different kinds of seeds
Did you know that . . .
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Sprouts match oranges and tomatoes for vitamin C content and a hamburger patty in protein.
- The Vitamin C content of wheat increases by 600% in wheat after it has sprouted.
Here are some tips on the vitamin content of oats after they has been sprouted:
- Vitamin B2 content increases by 1300%
- Vitamin B6 increases by 500%
- Biotin increases by 50%
- Folic Acid increases by 600%
Sprouts are easy to digest, low in calories and keep you regular.
Methods for Sprouting Seeds:
- Put about ¼ cup seeds and beans of any kind in any kind of container you have. This will feed two people on salads for about 3 days.
- Next add enough water in the container to cover the seeds with about 2 inches more of water. Let this stand overnight. Don’t bother putting the jar in the dark. It just doesn’t matter. We leave ours on the counter top.
- Rinse seeds the next morning a few times through a colander. We use a screened lid that fits onto a Mason jar. You can pick them up at any good kitchen shop. Dump out all the water, turn the jar on its side and let them start to sprout right on your counter.
- Rinse twice daily for about 3-5 days. Sprouts mature in 3-5 days and last up to a week in the fridge. Rinse them daily even after you put them into the refrigerator.
What seeds can you sprout?
Just about anything including, lentils, garbanzos, wheat, oats, quinoa, mung beans, aduki beans, Anastazi beans, lima beans, cabbage, radish, alfalfa, corn, rye, onions and almonds. The sprout doesn’t have to have a large tail to consider it at that edible stage. For almonds, just soak them a couple of days.
I believe that organic seeds are better. They are easy to find (and cheap!) at your local health food store.
A Note on Flax Seeds: Flax seeds can’t be sprouted like other seeds. They create a super slimy gelatin layer on the outside (hey, so why not eat whole flax seed when you are constipated? It helps things slip out with ease!) MaryJane Butters recommends that flax seeds be sprouted between paper towels then frozen in ice cubes to be used in smoothies for their beneficial oil and omega fatty acids. In my practice I recommend whole seeds for bowel health, ground (fresh) for omega fatty acids, and flax oil capsules (easier to get down as the oil kind of gags you! I use Linum B6 by Standard Process Labs) for overall health when needed.
Helpful Links and Resources for Sprouting Seeds:
- Reference: Book: MaryJane’s Ideabook-Cookbook-Lifebook for the Farmgirl in all of us. https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanes-Ideabook-Cookbook-Lifebook
- Tools for Sprouting Seeds: https://www.culturesforhealth.com/learn/sprouting/choosing-equipment-for-sprouting/
- These are the lids we use and like: https://www.amazon.com/Picowe-Plastic-Sprouting-Strainer-Canning/product-reviews/B07SDGBB3B