Flax Seed Sprout
Chickpea Sprout
Mung Bean Sprout
Sprouts
Radish Sprout
Cutting Sprouts
Nutritious Salad
Alfalfa Seed
WHAT IS
SPROUTING?
Sprouting refers to the process of enabling the development of shoots from seeds (germination) without water.
We encourage sprouting as a means of promoting health and wellbeing. Sprouts are packed with all the nutrients that would otherwise become dispersed across the mature vegetable.
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Sulforaphanes: for anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation
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Vitamins: boosts immunity
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Minerals: supports metabolism
Eat your greens.
Grow sprouts from the comfort of your own home.
Sprouting is an easy and inexpensive way to contribute to your own health and to the environment.
Sprouting is an active form of regeneration:
Water Conservation
Requires little water, especially compared to traditional farming practices
Reduced Land Use
Can be accomplished in a small amount of space, unlike the vast land use in conventional agriculture
Lower Energy Consumption
Eliminates the need for energy intensive machinery and requires less energy to cultivate and harvest
Decreased Carbon Footprint
Minimizes food miles, reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation and refrigeration
Organic
No need for pesticides or herbicides, limiting chemical usage and contamination
Less Food Waste
Can control the amount cultivated to grow individually suited quantities of sprouts
The Sprouting Process
The technique of sprouting is slightly different for each seed, but there is a general process. The method is also dependent on the specific environmental conditions, which may require some trial and error - and that’s OK! The process is easily adaptable and it will become easier as you gain experience.
Technically speaking, it is recommended to use high-quality, organic seeds to avoid contamination. However, it can be difficult for seed companies to follow the strict guidelines and routine inspections laid out by the USDA. Despite the challenge, many seed companies still follow organic practices to produce safe-to-consume seeds for the public.
Organic seeds are free of synthetic pesticides, but they may contain organic pesticides. To ensure a smooth sprouting experience, we recommend shopping at reputable seed companies and communicating with them before making a purchase to fully understand the seeds you'll be sprouting.
At HeroesToo, we prioritize the use of organic pesticides over synthetic ones when deciding which seeds to purchase, as they have a lower impact on the ecosystem. There is no significant nutritional difference between organic and non-organic seeds, meaning you can obtain nutritious sprouts from either.
Sprouts make great additions to sandwiches and salads. With their diverse range of nutty and spicy flavors, they can also bring a delightful variety to your dishes or even act as a subtle, neutral element, making them incredibly versatile. They add both nutrition and volume to your meals, keeping you satisfied for a longer period of time. For specific sprouting instructions tailored to your sprout of interest, consult your local seed store.
INSTRUCTIONS
1. SOAK IN WATER
Soak the seeds in water for 4-12 hours depending on the seed type. This step enables the release and activation of enzymes which will reduce anti-nutrients that may be residing in the seed. Anti-nutrients prevent the body from absorbing nutrients. Soaking reduces their effects.
2. RINSE AND DRAIN
Soaking for too long results in a moist environment conducive to bacterial growth. To prevent this, rinse the seeds and drain them of excess water. This process needs to be repeated every 8-12 hours for about 2-7 days depending on the seed type.
3. REMOVE FROM LIGHT AND HUMIDITY
Keep the seeds in a dark cool place to prevent damage from sunlight and bacterial growth.
4. USE SPROUTING JAR OR TRAY
Specialized containers are cheap and reusable. They are fitted with mesh lids and drainage holes, making the overall process more efficient. This is particularly useful for busy people who want to partake in a regenerative lifestyle.
5. HARVEST AND STORE
Once the sprouts have reached 1-2 inches, they can be harvested and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. They are usually ready to eat a few days post-harvesting.
ENJOY SPROUTING!
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