"In order to live off a garden, you practically have to live in it." Frank McKinney Hubbard

                                                        


Sprouts are the least expensive vegetable to produce and are plentiful. With only a supply of seeds it is entirely possible to eat for a year or more from your kitchen garden.  When preparedness and sustainability are considered the pantry sprout seeds are a staple.  Sprouts help to under gird a struggling budget.  They are easy to use utilize, easy to prepare and require no fertillizer.  All that this economic, nutritious, bountiful crop needs is a little moisture, a little air and a small nook in which to do their magic.

Sprouts can be a quality substitute for lettuce and other greens if the supplies or affordability becomes such that the produce is longer readily available.  There are a variety of sprouting seeds available that will grow year round when the vegetable garden is not as hardy or bountiful.  Sprouting guides have extensive information as to measuring quantity, soaking hours and sprouting days. Daily care and harvesting recommendations are also listed on the charts available.  Use only untreated or organic grains, seeds or beans may have been treated and could be toxic  

The largest relative amount of nutrients per unit of intake in comparison to other food sources is found in sprouts.  This concentration of nutrients is used by the for the development of the seed.  When the sprout is harvested at the proper time these nutrients have not been completely utilized by the growing plant and are optimized.  They contain enzymes which aid in digestion, proteins that aid in digestibility, fiber, vitamins and other minerals.  

The Basic Sprout Garden - The Foolproof System
Inexpensive & Simple

1  1-Pint Jar
Cotton Gauze, nylon net or panty hose- enough to cover the lid of the jar
1 Strong Rubber Band or Sealing Ring
There are commercial products available in varying sizes depending upon your need.

Basic Sprouting Instructions

Measure out a batch of seeds
Fill ajar ½ full of warm water
Remove all seeds that float
Allow all sinkers to float and then remove the sinkers left on bottom of jar
Secure gauze over top of jar with rubber band or sealing ring
Soak the seeds 6-8 hours in a warm location
After soaking drain the seeds by turning the jar upside down and then lay at an angle in the sink for a few minutes
Rinse the seeds and drain again immediately
Put the seeds in a warm dark place
Drain and rinse the seeds 2-3 times each day until they have reached maturity
At desired length, eat the whole sprout seed and all.  It is at this point that the sprout is at its peak in nutritional value and taste.

DO NOT SPROUT TOMATO OR POTATO SEEDS AS THEY ARE POISONIOUS
   
   


Sprouting Chart provided by:

Emry, Carla.  "Introduction to Plants, About Sprouts and Vegetarian Diets"  The Encyclopedia of Country Living.  Emry, Carla  Seattle, Sasquatch Books, 2003, 121

Copyright 2009 by Dan Courtois