Let me start by saying I SERIOUSLY lack in the green thumb department… I can kill a cactus. I taught myself how to sprout and I have a new sense of confidence when it comes to growing something, that makes me so happy! I’m not ready to start my own kale garden yet but in the meantime I’m having a blast sprouting in my pantry.

Once you get the hang of it, it’s super easy and fun! I always keep a jar or two in my fridge, I love to add sprouts to my daily salads! I added sprouts to my recent copycat Whole Foods-like Oil-Free Lentil Salad, that was delicious! The past few weeks I’ve been sprouting spelt, wheat berries and buckwheat groats together to make a delicious live-food breakfast! I add a little walnuts or raw pumpkin seeds, some fruit and a little almond milk, it’s really delicious.

** Tools you will need to do this:

1. Grains, seeds, beans, lentils or whatever else you want to sprout! I like green lentils, mung beans, spelt, wheat berries, buckwheat and variety packs the best. I’m still experimenting with other ones, there are so many! You can sprout quinoa, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds (I tried this and didn’t really get any growth… still mastering this one!)… so many options! I’ve sprouted garbanzo beans before and made hummus out of them… tasted kinda funky, I have to admit but I’m willing to try it again. 

2. 1/2 Gallon Mason Jars – They work the best and allow the most sprout production due to their larger size. I like the wide-mouth ones the best! You can also use them to store your dry beans and grains, I do!

3. Sprouting Lids or Cheesecloth and a rubber band – I like the lids the best

4. Dark pantry or cupboard – time to clear out a space for your new sprouting habit! Now, some sprouts (from what I’ve read) need sunlight but I haven’t gotten to that level yet. I tried leaving my lentil sprouts out on the counter for sunlight and they ended up brown and odd tasting. For now, I’m sticking to the cupboard/pantry method!

5. Bowl – large enough to hold a mason jar upside down to catch excess water

** Instructions:

1. I add about 1/2 – 1 cup of whatever I want to sprout to my 1/2 gallon mason jar (some more, some less depending on the size of the seed/grain you’re growing)… fill the jar with water, attach my sprouting lid (or cheesecloth if you don’t want to use a fancy lid) and drain the water out. I then fill the jar up again and let it sit in my cupboard with the LID ON (metal one that comes with the jar or a plastic one you can order separately) overnight – about 12 hours.

2. The next morning – attaching the sprouting lid or cheesecloth, drain the jar into the sink and place it upside down on a towel to get most of the excess water out. Then place the jar upside down in a bowl, lined with a paper towel. Place this getup in a dark cupboard or pantry.

3. WRITE YOURSELF A NOTE SAYING “SPROUTS”… that’s what I do. It’s taped to the outside of my cupboard to remind me to rinse my sprouts a few times a day. Out of sight out of mind, they’re easy to forget about.

4. Continue to fill the jar up with water and drain 2-3 time a day, placing the jar back into the bowl in your cupboard or pantry each time. Make sure you get most of the water out or your sprouts will MOLD! If you forget about them and leave them in there without rinsing them for 24 hours they will most likely mold… just happened to me today! AGH!!! I hate wasting two whole jars of sprouts!!!

5. When you’ve achieved your desired growth on your sprouts rinse them one last time and place a metal or plastic lid on the jar and place in the fridge for up to a week.

6. TIME TO EAT! Add them to salads, eat them for breakfast or snack but most of all ENJOY THEM because they are SOOOOO GOOD FOR YOU!!! 🙂

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