Tips and tricks: How to sprout seeds

Sprouts are high in nutrients such as protein, magnesium and vitamin C, plus, they are incredibly easy to grow at home. So why not take a leaf out of our book and try your hand at homegrown sprouts! We’re here to walk you through the process of how to sprout seeds!

How to sprout seeds:

1. Soak your dried seeds (beans and/or grains) in a wide-mouthed jar fitted with a piece of cheesecloth large enough to cover the opening and held on with the jars metal ring or a piece of string.
2. Cover the seeds with 3 times the amount of water than the seeds in the bottom of the jar and allow to soak for 24 hours.
3. After the 24 hours, discard the remaining water through the cheesecloth and rinse the seeds with fresh water, morning and evening, discarding the water after each rinse. The seeds should be damp, but not immersed in water.
4. Store on your windowsill. The purpose of the cheesecloth is to aid in rinsing as the water flows easily through it. After 3 – 5 days, your sprouts will be ready. You know they are ready when they have tripled in size from their original volume. Once sprouted, store in the fridge, covered.

How to sprout seeds – the best seeds for sprouting:

• Dried chickpeas
• Sunflower seeds
• Dried lentils
• Alfalfa seeds
• Chia seeds

Serving suggestion:

Sprouts can be used in many different dishes. Enjoy blanched and tossed with butter and salt, sprinkle generously over salads, add a crunch to your stir-fries or even top your avocado and egg toast.

Get growing and use your newly homegrown sprouts in the following recipes:

Crunchy Nuts and Sprouts Pilaf

Crunchy nuts and sprouts pilaf

Vegetable wraps with baby marrow and slaw

Vegetable wraps with baby marrow and slaw

Did you make any of these recipes? Tag us @foodandhomesa #cookingwithFH on Instagram!