Sproutin'

Sprouts aren't just for the granola freaks.  Maybe you don't even know what a sprout is.  Well, sprouting is taking a seed, like a bean or wheat, soaking it overnight and letting it...well...sprout.  It turns into something that looks like this.


You may be wondering why in the world you should care about sprouts.  Well, they are insanely good for you.  Did you know that sprouting makes the bean or seed that you are sprouting 600 times more nutritious than if you were to eat it as the bean or seed?  Since a sprout comes from a bean or seed that has not been cooked, it also keeps all of it's natural enzymes, which are very good for our bodies.  For example, these enzymes are very beneficial for our digestive tract and colon health.  Sprouts are also very high in antioxidants.  Sprouts are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein as well.

These are all good reasons to sprout.  It's really easy too.  The sprouts can be used and eaten on sandwiches or salads.  I would tell you to put them in your smoothies, but I just can't.  I think it is disgusting and overpowers the smoothie.  Try it out yourself, but heed my warning.

If you are interested in sprouting, they sell trays that are very handy in the sprouting process.  If you don't want to spend the money on that, there are other, very simple ways to sprout out of a mason jar, or really any other type of container.  You can do a simple google search and find tons of information about what types of beans or seeds that you can sprout and why.  There is also tons of information on how to sprout.  This website tells you everything you need to know, but can also be a little wordy.  I know that in the research I have done, I have found that there are great mixes that you can buy to sprout.  I have bought mine from Bridgeport Farm and Gardens outside of Dallas.  These mixes make it a lot easier than buying a bunch of seperate seeds to sprout and will typically contain the most beneficial and popular sprouting seeds and/or beans.

Honestly, the only thing you need to know about sprouting is to soak the seeds or beans overnight, put them in something that is breathable, whether it be a sprouting tray or a mason jar with cloth over the top.  Rinse it 1-2 times a day, drain and let sit.  Keep out of direct light.  Eat them when they sprout.  Don't let them go too long or they will get bitter.  Put them in the fridge when they are done and they will keep about a week.  That's the extremely simple version.  You will learn through trial and error as you go.  You will figure out what works best for you and what you think tastes the best and all that.

Also, consider buying sprouted breads.  You can find these in health food stores.  The benefits are endless.  Did you know that unsprouted, cooked wheat can cause mucous congestion, allergic reactions and constipation?  If you suffer from these, I would definitely suggest you look into sprouted breads.  Wheat was definitely not meant for all of us and sprouted is much healthier for all.  Trader Joe's and Dave's Killer Bread makes a great sprouted bread.

I hope you consider sprouting.  I hope I start sprouting regularly again too, it's been way too long since I did it last.  Laziness...it's a epidemic.