Grow Your Own Seedlings in a Masonic Jar
Sprouts are small, versatile plants that can be added to breads, salads, and sandwiches; they offer a range of flavors from subtle to even spicy; and they can keep glucose levels low . They may have an acquired consistency in food (some may be fibrous or crunchy), but the wide variety of sprouts allows you to be selective. And once you choose them , you can easily grow them in your own kitchen – all you need is a jar and some cheesecloth.
Here’s how to grow sprouts for salads and sandwiches.
Why you should grow your own seedlings
Adding sprouts to food adds moisture, texture, and nutrients like folate, manganese, fiber, and vitamins C, A, and K. However, there are some risks associated with eating seedlings: Raw cabbage (and some fried sprouts) can contain dangerous bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella . In the warm, humid environment in which the seedlings are grown, bacteria multiply, which can cause food poisoning and serious illness.
Growing seedlings at home can reduce the chances of contracting E. coli or other harmful bacteria. There are risks, though, which is why vegan cooking website Hello Veggie recommends washing your hands when handling sprouts, refrigerating them, and throwing them away if they smell strange or get slimy. Food and health website Eat Right also recommends rinsing sprouts before meals and, to greatly reduce the risk, preparing them for stir fry, soups, and stews to further kill any bacteria.
Seedling varieties worth considering
The most popular sprouts are mung bean sprouts , they are thick, crispy and juicy – almost as if they were full of water. Another option is alfalfa sprouts , which look fibrous with tiny green leaves at the top and have a mild flavor but add texture and nutritional value to your sandwiches or salads.
In addition, broccoli, radishes and lentil sprouts are recommended for home cultivation. These seeds vary in consistency and flavor, but most importantly, they grow quickly: you’ll be ready to enjoy them within two to six days of germination.
How to grow sprouts in a stone jar
Now that you’ve decided to grow your own sprouts (congratulations!), There are a few steps you need to take to sprout the seeds . Remember that not all sprouts grow at the same or at the same rate; For growing instructions by variety, we suggest visiting the Sprout People planting site for detailed instructions on how to grow every type of sprout you can imagine.
However, to complete the basic steps for growing sprout you will need:
- Mason jar
- A little gauze
- Elastic
- Seedling seeds of your choice
First, fill a wide-necked jug (preferably wide-necked) with one to two tablespoons of seeds. Then, cover the seeds with warm water two inches and let sit overnight. After the first night, take cheesecloth and wrap it around the neck of the can, securing it with an elastic band. Then you drain the jar and pour in fresh water to rinse the seeds. Rinse with water and drain again. For easier rinsing and draining, you may want to close the lid of the germination jar for about $ 10, but this is not required.
Keep the seeds covered and continue this process every 8-12 hours until the sprouts are at the desired size. Hello Veggie recommends keeping the jar in a dark place for a few days and then placing it in indirect sunlight for optimal growth. Once the sprouts have filled the jar to your liking, rinse them thoroughly and they are ready to eat.
Be sure to store sprouts in a sealed container in the refrigerator to avoid any dangerous bacteria.