Sprouts...A Quick Growing Addition to your Homegrown Salads

Sprouts are an excellent addition to salads as they provide a fresh taste and crunch, but did you know about their nutritional benefits? Sprouts are one of the most widely available nutritional powerhouses you can incorporate into your daily diet through salads.
 
A handful of sprouts added into your salad bowl are chockfull of antioxidants, fatty acids, and enzymes vital in preventing heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Sprouts contain essential minerals and vitamins, which increase during the sprouting process and are essential to improve our overall health.

 
Read On if you are curious about sprouts, their nutritional value, what seeds are appropriate for sprouting, and how to sprout! The following article highlights all you need to know about sprouts and how you can become an expert at sprouting. 
 
Sprouts Are A Growing Addition To Your Salads
Several chefs use sprouts in Asian-inspired dishes and Japanese cuisine. I've also noticed sprouts in sandwiches. It's a healthy, nutritious way to add some extra flavor to your dish, and best of all, you can use the leftovers as a salad topping or in a smoothie.
 
When you harvest your salad greens fresh from the garden, what better way to increase the nutritional value of your salad than to add a handful of your home-sprouted seeds?
 
Sprouts are living foods, alive with energy and vitality. Unlike other raw foods, sprouts contain phytochemicals essential for the body to fight against cancers and cardiovascular diseases and improve the immune system. Vitamins C, carotenoid A, and B are more abundant in sprouts than in other vegetables. For those with vitamin deficiencies, vitamins like vitamin B1 increase by 285 %, vitamin B2 by 515%, and niacin by 256 % during sprouting.
 
Seed sprouts are nature's best-kept secrets to healthy living and anti-aging. Those little seeds may not look like much, but throwing a handful of sprouts into your salads improves your health. And even after storing them in your refrigerator, the health benefits remain because the sprouts continue growing.
 
The Best Sprouting Seeds For Salads

While vegetables and seeds are suitable for sprouting, certain seeds are better than others. There is such a broad selection of seeds for sprouting that you are spoiled for choice. However, it is best to find seeds sold specifically for sprouting.
 
Those seeds meant for outdoor use may be chemically treated and inappropriate for consumption. You can check which seeds are ideal for sprouting with your local gardening supply store.
 
Listed below are some seeds you may sprout. Each seed offers a different taste and texture to your salad bowl. Sprouts are also great in stir-fries, soups, smoothies, or mixed with raisins and nuts as a trail mix.
 
The most versatile seeds for sprouting are those from the brassica family, like your lettuce, broccoli, or Chinese cabbage. Seeds for Africa has a broad selection of sprouting seeds to suit your every taste and cooking fancy. You may try the following sprouting seeds;
Chinese cabbage
Broccoli
Radish
Alfalfa
Sunflower
Fenugreek and rocket sprouts are also great in salads, for they add a spicy punch to your green salad.
 
 It would be best to avoid seeds from the Nightshade family, like tomatoes and potatoes. These seeds contain harmful toxins. You should also avoid using red and white kidney beans for sprouting.
 
In addition to these sprouting seeds, Seeds for Africa has a broad selection of sprouting mixes available. The sprouting bag contains a mix of seeds best suited for your dietary needs.
 
How To Grow Sprouts For Salads
Don't be put off by the thought of sprouting seeds at home. Even the person who burns boiling water can sprout seeds! There is really nothing to stress about sprouting seeds and you don't require too many utensils either.
 
There are two methods sprouting enthusiasts may employ, sprouting in a jar or a sprouting kit.
Here is a brief guideline for both these sprouting methods.
 
Sprouting Seeds In A Jar

Sprouting seeds in a glass jar is a simple and easy way to grow fresh and nutritious sprouts at home. Select the seeds you want to sprout, like alfalfa, mung beans, lentils, or radish seeds, to get started. Using seeds specifically labeled for sprouting is essential, as they are free from harmful chemicals and bacteria.
 
Next, thoroughly rinse the seeds in a fine-mesh strainer to remove debris or dust. Then, place the seeds in a glass jar and cover them with water. The amount of water you use will depend on the size of your jar and the number of seeds you are sprouting, but a good guideline is to use about three times as much water as seeds. Use a lid or a piece of cheesecloth to cover the jar and prevent any dust or insects from getting in.
 
Soak the seeds in water for about 8-12 hours or overnight. After the soaking period, drain the water from the jar and rinse the seeds with fresh water. Then, tilt the jar upside down and place it at an angle in a dish or a rack to allow the excess water to drain out.
 
Rinse the seeds with fresh water twice a day, and continue to drain them after each rinse. You should start to see sprouts forming within a few days, depending on the variety of seeds you are using. Once the sprouts have reached your desired length, rinse them thoroughly. The sprouts will keep for up to a week when stored in an airtight canister in the refrigerator.
 
Sprouting seeds in a glass jar is a simple and affordable way to grow your own fresh and nutritious sprouts at home. With some care and attention, you can enjoy the benefits of these healthy and flavorful sprouts in your meals.
 
Sprouting Seeds Using A Sprouting Tray

Using a multiple level sprouting tray is a convenient and efficient way to grow fresh and healthy sprouts at home. Each level allows you to grow different seeds so you constantly have sprouts for your salads and sandwiches.
 
A sprouting tray includes a container with multiple tiers, a lid with a drainage system, and different types of seeds for sprouting.
 
Select the seeds you want to sprout from the kit, such as alfalfa, mung beans, lentils, or radish seeds. Use only explicitly packaged and labeled seeds for sprouting, as they are free from harmful chemicals and bacteria.
 
Next, thoroughly rinse the seeds in a fine-mesh strainer to remove debris or dust. Then, place the seeds in one of the containers in the sprouting kit and add water according to the instructions. Keep the water level to just below the bottom of the next tier.
 
Stack the containers and cover them with the lid. The lid should have a drainage system that allows excess water to drain out and prevents dust and insects from getting in. Place the sprouting tray in a warm, well-lit area away from direct sunlight.
 
Rinse the seeds with fresh water twice a day, and continue to drain them after each rinse. You should start to see sprouts forming within a few days, depending on the variety of seeds you are using. The sprouting tray allows you to grow multiple types of sprouts simultaneously, which is great for variety in your meals.
 
Once the sprouts have reached your desired length, rinse them thoroughly. Store the sprouts in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
 
Using a sprouting kit is an easy and efficient way to grow fresh and nutritious sprouts at home. With the convenience of multiple tiers and a drainage system, you can enjoy a variety of sprouts in your meals without the need for multiple containers or daily rinsing. Choose the seeds you want to sprout and get started on your sprouting journey today!
 
Final Thoughts
Sprouts are a quick and easy addition to your homegrown salad that you can grow in various ways. Whether you sprout seeds in a glass jar or use a sprouting kit, sprouts can provide a delicious and nutritious boost to your meals.
 
Sprouting seeds is an affordable and convenient way to grow fresh sprouts at home, and with extra care and attention, you can enjoy various flavors and textures in your salads and sandwiches. Try sprouting different varieties of seeds to discover your favorite flavors and start enjoying the benefits of home-grown sprouts today!