Seed Prep Measure out 2 Tablespoons of seed* Rinse your seeds to remove dust or debris.
Soak Transfer your Alfalfa seeds into your Sprout Jar, or a bowl.Add 2-3 times as much cool (60-70 degree)
water. Mix seeds up to assure even water contact for all.Allow seeds to Soak for 8-12 hours.
Sprouting Empty the seeds into your Sprout jar.Drain
off the soak water.You can use it - it
has nutrients in it.
Rinse thoroughly with cool (60-70°) water.Drain thoroughly.Set your Sprouter anywhere out of direct
sunlight and at room temperature (70° is optimal) between Rinses.
This is where your sprouts do their growing. We use a counter top - in the
corner of our kitchen, but where the sprouter won't get knocked over by cats,
dogs, kids or us.
A plant can only perform photosynthesis when it has leaves. Until a plant has leaves,
light has little if any effect. Sprouts also happen to like air-circulation, so
don't hide your sprouts.When leaves do
appear, this will be plenty of light for them to green up!
Rinse and Drain again every 8-12 hours for 3 days.As long as you grow you have to keep the
sprouts happy!Always be sure to Drain
very thoroughly. The most common cause of inferior sprouts is inadequate
drainage.
Greening On the 4th day relocate your sprouts if necessary.If you've been keeping them away from light, move
them. Avoid direct sun - it can cook your sprouts. Indirect sunlight is best
but virtually any light will do.
Experiment - you will be amazed at how little light sprouts require to green
up.
Continue to Rinse and Drain every 8-12 hours.Your last Rinse/Drain will be either at the
end of day 5 or the start of day 6.Always
Drain Thoroughly!
Finishing Your sprouts will be done about the end of day 6.The majority of sprouts will have open leaves
which will be green. You'll recognize them.
De-Hull You may De-Hull your sprouts at any time during day 5 or 6.Before your final Rinse; remove the seed
hulls.Leafy sprout hulls are not a real
concern. They can conceivably lessen the shelf life of your sprouts, but we
usually consume them too fast for that to be a concern, so it is, to us, more a
matter of aesthetics.
Fill with cool water. Loosen the sprout mass by pulling it apart with your
fingers or a fork.Hulls will rise to
the surface. Keep pulling your sprout mass apart and move them around slowly,
pulling them down - under the water - to make room for the hulls to rise.
Skim the hulls off the surface of the water and compost them.
Return the sprouts to your Sprout Jar for their final Rinse and Drain.
Harvest If you Dehulled, you can go right to refrigeration.
If not... Your sprouts are done 8-12 hours after your final
Rinse.
After the De-Hulling and the final Rinse we need to Drain Very Thoroughly and
let our sprouts dry a bit. If we minimize the surface moisture of our sprouts they store much better in
refrigeration, so we let them sit for 8-12 hours....
Refrigerate Transfer the sprout crop to a clean jar or the sealed container of your
choice.
"Eating broccoli sprouts may be able to protect people
from cancer, according to scientists from Johns Hopkins. The Maryland-based
researchers found that young broccoli sprouts contain a substance called sulforaphane
in concentrated amounts. Sulforaphane helps the body fight cancer, and may
prevent certain cancers from developing. Researchers call this phenomenon
chemoprotection.
Asthma sufferers may benefit from a daily dose of broccoli sprouts, as studies
have shown a decrease in inflammation of the airways after eating the
vegetable. A study reported in the March 2009 issue of Clinical Immunology
reports that sulforaphane, the same compound that can prevent and fight cancer,
reduced inflammation associated with asthma and nasal allergies. In addition to
broccoli sprouts, sulforaphane is naturally occurring in cauliflower, mature
broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage. "
Broccoli Sprouts: Day 1 Seed to sprout in 3-6 days Yield is up to 1:5 Sprout shelf life is up to 6 weeks if stored properly. Directions: Prep 1 to 3 Tablespoons of organic broccoli seeds then transfer into a bowl or
into your Sprout Jar.Add 2-3 times as much cool (60°-70°) water. Mix seeds up to assure even water contact for all.Note: Brassicas tend to float. Try to sink those that do by knocking them down
with your fingers. It isn't a big deal but it is a good habit. Allow seeds to Soak for 6-12 hours.
Move the jar so the kitten won't knock it over!Empty the seeds into your
Sprout Jar. Drain off the soak water. You may water plants or use
it in stock if you like - it has nutrients in it.
Set your Sprout Jar anywhere out of direct sunlight and at
room temperature (70° is optimal) between rinses. This is where your sprouts do their growing.
We use a counter top - in the corner of our kitchen, but where the sprout jar
won't get knocked over by cats, dogs, kids or us
.
Rinse and Drain again every 8-12 hours for 3 days. Be sure to drain very thoroughly.
Day 4: Broccoli Sprouts
Greening On the 4th day relocate your sprouts if necessary. If you've been keeping them away from light, move them. Avoid direct sun. It
can cook your sprouts. Indirect sunlight is best but virtually any light will
do.
Your sprouts will be done during day 5 or 6.
The majority of sprouts will have open leaves which will be green if you exposed
them to light.
Before your final rinse; remove the seed hulls. Brassica sprout hulls are quite large (relative to the seed and sprout) and
they hold a lot of water - which can dramatically lessen the shelf life of your
sprouts
Your sprouts are done 8-12 hours after the final rinse. After you de-hull and the final rinse we
need to drain very thoroughly and let our sprouts dry a bit. At this time, you can spread your seeds out only a plate
Transfer the sprout crop to a clean glass jar or the sealed
container of your choice.
I LOVE SPROUTS!!! Growing sprouts are simple and easy plus I save a bunch of moolah! Today I'm sharing MORE of the Health Benefits of Sprouts by variety.
Adzuki Beans, Lentils, Peas and White Beans from Juicing for Health Bean sprouts are a true concentrate of energy and nutritive
principles. Unlike ripe vegetables, whose nutritional value
progressively decreases after they have been harvested, bean sprouts
retain their nutritional properties until consumed. Bean sprouts have the richest source of amino acids (for protein),
vitamins and minerals, and also contain a good amount of fiber. They
contain all types of vitamins (A, B, C, D, E and K), folate and are an
excellent source of iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and
zinc.
Alfalfa sprouts contain only 8 calories per serving, making
this crunchy food an ideal choice for people who are trying to lose weight.
Self magazine grants alfalfa sprout a five-star rating as a weight loss aid,
noting that it is low in calories, sugar, fat and saturated fat. Additionally,
because alfalfa sprouts are rich in fiber and protein, they may help to
facilitate sensations of fullness for people who tend to overeat. Alfalfa sprouts are a good source of several micronutrients,
or vitamins. NutritionData reports that alfalfa sprouts contain B vitamins such
as niacin, thiamin, riboflavin, folate, pantothenic acid and vitamin B6.
Additionally, alfalfa sprouts provide roughly 13 percent of an adult's
recommended daily intake of vitamin K. Because of alfalfa's high vitamin K
content, the National Institutes of Health advise patients taking blood-thinners
to avoid foods and supplements made from the plant.
Eating broccoli sprouts may be able to protect people from
cancer, according to scientists from Johns Hopkins. The Maryland-based
researchers found that young broccoli sprouts contain a substance called
sulforaphane in concentrated amounts. Sulforaphane helps the body fight cancer,
and may prevent certain cancers from developing. Researchers call this
phenomenon chemoprotection. Asthma sufferers may benefit from a daily dose of broccoli
sprouts, as studies have shown a decrease in inflammation of the airways after
eating the vegetable. A study reported in the March 2009 issue of Clinical
Immunology reports that sulforaphane, the same compound that can prevent and
fight cancer, reduced inflammation associated with asthma and nasal allergies.
In addition to broccoli sprouts, sulforaphane is naturally occurring in
cauliflower, mature broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage. Buckwheat Sprouts according to Zhion
Buckwheat has been grown since 1000 BC or earlier in China. Buckwheat has been used in various food products and some researches have been done with the common buckwheat. It contains proteins, flavonoids, flavones, phytosterols, thiamin-binding proteins, and other rare compounds in its seeds. It has been speculated that buckwheat may benefit people with cholesterol issues, hypertension and constipation. [1]
The Potential Health Benefits of Buckwheat
Buckwheat sprout was found to contain quercetin, I-ascorbic acid, oxalic, malic, tartaric, and citric acids, rutin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Animal / cell studies suggest that buckwheat may have benefits of anti-cancer, cholesterol lowering, triglyceride lowering and anti-oxidative activities. [4,6]
Extracts of buckwheat spouts were found to have anti-inflammatory activities in a study of lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. After the intake of lipopolysaccharide, the inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha were markedly up-regulated in the spleen and liver. [2] While, buckwheat hull extract was shown to have neurological protection against trimethyltin in a study of rats. [3]
Fenugreek sprouts provide a large source of protein and a
smaller amount of carbohydrates due to the sprouting process compared to other
legumes. The soaking process of seed to sprout allows for enzymatic reactions
to occur, providing easily digested proteins. The enzyme amylase breaks down
complex carbohydrates found in the seeds to simple carbohydrates that are
washed away during the rinsing process. Lipase, an enzyme that breaks down fat,
creates a usable form of fat that is easily absorbed in the body. Fenugreek can be used as spice, digestive aid, hair growth
supplement and expectorant. Fenugreek may help stimulate milk production in
nursing women and may aid in menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and breast
tenderness. Fenugreek may also help to naturally lower cholesterol and aid in
blood-sugar control in people who have diabetes. Fenugreek provides a variety of vitamins, minerals,
proteins, healthy fats and fiber. One teaspoon of fenugreek contains 12
calories, 0.85 g protein, 0.24 g fat, 0.9 g fiber, 7 mg calcium, 1.24 mg iron,
7 mg magnesium, 11 mg phosphorus and 28 mg potassium.
Mung Bean sprouts according to Livestrong:
Mung bean sprouts have a low calorie density, or energy
density, with only 31 calories per 104 g serving. Low energy-dense foods can
help you lose weight or prevent weight gain because they are relatively low in
calories compared to their serving size, so you can fill up on them without
eating too many calories, according to MayoClinic.com. Low energy-dense foods
tend to be low in fat and high in dietary fiber, and mung bean sprouts have almost
no fat and nearly 2 g dietary fiber per serving.
Each cup, or 104 g serving, of sprouted raw mung beans
provides 155 mg potassium and only 6 mg sodium. Try to get at least 4,700 mg
potassium and no more than 2,300 mg sodium per day to avoid high blood pressure
and an increased risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, according
to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services. Each 1-cup serving of raw mung bean sprouts provides 14 mg
vitamin C, or nearly one quarter of the daily value for vitamin C. Vitamin C is
an antioxidant vitamin that is essential for proper immune function and wound
healing. Another benefit of mung bean sprouts is their 60 mcg folic acid, or 15
percent of the daily value for this B vitamin, which is an especially important
nutrient for women who may become pregnant, because it reduces the risk for
neural tube birth defects. A benefit of mung bean sprouts is that more than 90 percent
of their weight is water, and you can use them, like other vegetables, to help
you stay hydrated, according to the University
of Michigan. Mung bean
sprouts are a cholesterol-free food, and their dietary fiber can lower levels
of bad LDL cholesterol in your blood.
Sprouted grains, unlike processed grains, are extremely nutritious and
provide a valuable part of any healthy diet. But what are sprouted
grains exactly and how can they be used?
When grains, seeds and nuts are germinated, their nutritional content
changes and, as they are generally not cooked, they retain their
natural plant enzymes. These enzymes are beneficial for helping the
digestion of the seeds and nuts in the digestive tract. As well as
retaining the enzymes, they also retain the nutrients that would
otherwise be destroyed by cooking. Sprouted grains, seeds and nuts also
encourage the growth of good bacteria, help to keep the colon clean,
and are high in protective antioxidants. Sprouts, as well as being very digestible, are a good source of fiber
and protein, and are high in vitamins and minerals. As an example,
sunflower sprouts are high in vitamins A and C, while mung sprouts are
high in vitamin C, iron, and potassium. Most seeds are high in
phosphorus, which is important for alertness, increased mental
abilities, and healthy bones and teeth. In its cooked form, wheat can
cause mucus congestion, allergic reactions and constipation. In is
sprouted form, the starch is converted to simple sugars, meaning that
many wheat intolerant people are able to eat sprouted wheat bread
without any problems.
Radish Sprouts according to Heal with Food Radish sprouts are loaded with vitamins, and research suggests that
these super-nutritious sprouts may be even more effective at preventing
cancer than broccoli sprouts.
Radish sprouts are an excellent source of folate, with 100 grams (3.5
ounces) of radish sprouts delivering almost a quarter of the Daily Value
of folate. Folate is believed to promote cardiovascular health by
breaking down homocysteine, an amino acid that is thought to promote
atherosclerosis (fatty deposits in blood vessels). About half of people
with cardiovascular disease have elevated homocysteine levels, compared
with only 5% of the general population. In addition to providing tons of
folate, radish sprouts contain plenty of vitamin B6, another nutrient
that has been shown to break down homocysteine in the body.
Radish sprouts are inarguably one of the best foods for people who are
trying to lose weight. Like other sprouts, radish sprouts are very low
in calories (43 calories per 100 grams, or 3.5 ounces), and they are
packed with vitamin C.
Weight loss benefits aside, vitamin C rich foods – such as radish
sprouts – can offer benefits for the skin. Our skin is constantly
bombarded with free radicals created by cigarette smoke, pollution,
drugs, heavy exercising, toxins, stress, and UV radiation, but vitamin C
helps destroy these harmful molecules. In addition, vitamin C helps the
body produce collagen, a protein that keeps your skin smooth, elastic,
and wrinkle-free. As part of the natural aging process, our collagen
production slows down, which is why especially older people may reap
extra beauty benefits by eating radish sprouts and other foods that are
rich in vitamin C.
Sunflower Greens according to Grow Real Food 1. Boost your fertility with sunflower seeds and sprouts: Both sunflower seeds and their sprouts contain high amounts of zinc. Zinc is a well-researched mineral that is essential for the development of sperm, which is why it is especially important for men.
2. Sunflower sprouts are high in B vitamins, especially folate: Folate (or folic acid) is a necessary B vitamin for pregnant women, needed to ensure proper development
of the baby’s nervous system. The combination of B vitamins also
assists in the mother’s circulation as well as aids in stress relief. 3. Boost your antioxidant capacity with sunflower sprouts: Both sunflower seeds and their sprouts contain high amounts of vitamin E. Vitamin E works synergistically with vitamin C and selenium to reduce blood pressure, increase the elasticity of arteries and prevent heart disease.
4. The sunflower sprout is a natural expectorant for chest congestion: In Ayurvedic medicine, these sprouts are thought to have the ability to encourage clearance of the lungs.
Natural expectorants may also be used as a preventative measure against
lower respiratory infections to deter the invasion of pathogens. 5. Sunflower seed sprouts are a great vegetarian source of protein:
Protein is well known for its ability to repair muscle tissue and aid
in enzymatic functions in the body. But protein is also important in
bone development and the prevention of osteoporosis, as it acts as the
fundamental framework for the development of the bone matrix and
continues to support bone strength throughout life.
Growing your own is definitely cheaper than buying from the store, plus you get FRESH grown sprouts at home.
There you have it!!! Are you ready to get SPROUTING?
How about Detailed Sprouting Instructions? I don't have instructions for all of the varieties available online yet but I'm working on it. Instructions are included with each purchase of sprouting seeds.
All of the seeds listed are open-pollinated, non-gmo & non-hybrid, non-patented, untreated, heirloom garden seeds. Mary has signed the Safe Seed pledge.
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Most orders place Monday-Thursday ship within 48 hours, except for Holidays.
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October 8, 2015
It's been another busy week with questions ranging from Organic Plant food to growing and using herbs.
We've added several new seed combo packs including the Back to Basic Homestead pack, FALL Garden Pack and the Fall SUPER Garden pack.
I've shared quite a few articles about the benefits of specific herbs on my personal blog and I'm (slowly) adding them to our new blog at Mary's Heirloom Seeds. Check out these helpful links for more information on Herbs, Herbal remedies and DIY Tinctures
There are many ways to use herbs for medicinal purposes and one of the is in a tincture.
An herbal tincture is simply an herbal extract. Herbal remedies have been used throughout history to treat illnesses and ailments without "modern medicine" and pharmaceuticals. Tinctures are easy to make, home remedies. If properly prepared and stored, your tincture can last indefinitely. Continue Reading
Special Offers this week are perfectly timed!
It's best to make these immune boosting herbal remedies before everyone around you starts to get sick!!!
1-32 OUNCE GLASS JAR WITH LID, 1- 2 OUNCE AMBER BOTTLE WITH DROPPER TOP, 2 CUSTOMIZED LABELS, 1 OUNCE OF ORGANIC HERB OF YOUR CHOICE (ADDITIONAL HERBS AVAILABLE) AND DETAILS INSTRUCTIONS
If you've never eaten Mung Bean Sprouts then you are seriously missing out on these delicious and nutritious treats! Mung Bean Sprouts take 3 to 6 days to sprout and they're EASY to grow!
Mung Bean sprouts according to Livestrong: Mung bean sprouts have a low calorie density, or energy density, with only 31 calories per 104 g serving. Low energy-dense foods can help you lose weight or prevent weight gain because they are relatively low in calories compared to their serving size, so you can fill up on them without eating too many calories, according to MayoClinic.com. Low energy-dense foods tend to be low in fat and high in dietary fiber, and mung bean sprouts have almost no fat and nearly 2 g dietary fiber per serving.
Each cup, or 104 g serving, of sprouted raw mung beans provides 155 mg potassium and only 6 mg sodium. Try to get at least 4,700 mg potassium and no more than 2,300 mg sodium per day to avoid high blood pressure and an increased risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Each 1-cup serving of raw mung bean sprouts provides 14 mg vitamin C, or nearly one quarter of the daily value for vitamin C. Vitamin C is an antioxidant vitamin that is essential for proper immune function and wound healing. Another benefit of mung bean sprouts is their 60 mcg folic acid, or 15 percent of the daily value for this B vitamin, which is an especially important nutrient for women who may become pregnant, because it reduces the risk for neural tube birth defects. A benefit of mung bean sprouts is that more than 90 percent of their weight is water, and you can use them, like other vegetables, to help you stay hydrated, according to the University of Michigan. Mung bean sprouts are a cholesterol-free food, and their dietary fiber can lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol in your blood.
Mung Bean seeds have a shelf life of 3-5 years if kept in a cool, dark place such as a closet but not a hot garage. Mung beans will usually produce three times the amount of sprouts as seeds. Mung bean sprouts can last up to 4 weeks in the refrigerator if properly stored. As with anything in the fridge, if it smells funky in a bad way, don't eat it!
Directions:
Put 1/3 cup beans into your sprout jar. Add 2 cups of water. Allow seeds to soak for 8-12 hours. Empty the seeds into your Sprout Jar. Drain off the soak water. You may use it to water plants. Rinse thoroughly with cool (60-70°) water. Drain thoroughly. Rinse again and drain Once I emptied out the water I set the jar upside down in a bowl to drain completely. Sprouts need plenty of air flow as they "dry" for an additional 8 hours.
2 - 3 days: If you want to grow short, sweet Mung Beans - with 1/8 - 1/2 inch roots
4 - 6 days: If you want to grow big, thick Mung Bean - with 1 - 3 inch roots:
Just to be clear: Soak for 8-10 hours. Rinse and drain. Leave the jar in a cool place with no direct sunlight for the next 8-10 hours (dry). Repeat. It is VERY important that you rinse and drain thoroughly. The great thing about my Sprout Jar is that it's self-contained. I can soak, drain, rinse and let them sit all in one container.
Your sprouts are done 8-10 hours after the final rinse. Be sure to drain your sprouts as thoroughly as possible after the final rinse. Remove any left over hulls. Transfer your sprouts to a plastic bag or sealed container and put them in the refrigerator.
These are the hulls. Remove these and use in your compost or throw away.
Sprouting at Home saves money! I used 1/3 cup of beans (seeds) and they produced about 3 cups of sprouts. If I were to buy that much sprouts at the store I would probably spend about $8. Worse, who knows what type of cancer-causing, nasty chemicals would be used to grow those $8 sprouts?