Saturday, August 10, 2013

How to Sprout

Lately I have been trying to eat more raw foods.  Sprouting on your own is a super easy way so get some hearty beans, lentils and grains in a raw diet.


Why is sprouting good for me?

The process of sprouting causes the seed to germinate.  It begins to break down into more simple components and make it easier to digest and healthier for you.  Sprouts have high levels of vitamins B, C, E and A.  They are much more nutritious then their dried counterpart.  

But can I sprout? A couple of days ago I asked myself the same question.  It seemed intimidating.  But alas, it can be done and it is very easy!!! 

Sprouting

1 Pint sized jar with lid (Ball or similar jar)
Cheese cloth 
Rubber band
Lentils, Beans, or Quinoa
Filtered water


This time I sprouted Mung Beans.  They are one of the easiest to sprout.  They get enormous compared to the dried size so keep that in mind when filling the jar.  Clean the beans/lentils in a fine mesh colander and pick out any disparities.   I place enough beans to fill 1/4 of the jar.  Then I filled the jar with filtered water leaving 1/2 inch from the top.  Let it soak overnight, or 6-12 hours.  

The next morning your sprouts should have doubled in size.  Fill again with filtered water.  Now place a double or triple lined cheese cloth, cover the jar and close with the band/top of the ball jar, or close with a rubber band.  Drain through the cheese cloths.  Repeat this every 6-8 hours.   The sprouts need to be kept moist to grow.  My mung beans took 2 days and I made amazing raw sushi out of them.  After the sprouts have gotten to the size you like rinse them and pick out any seeds that haven't sprouted.  Place in a covered jar in the fridge and they will keep for about 1 month in the fridge.  That is it!



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