New Year Sprouts!

It was a busy holiday season and we needed all hands on deck to process orders, so there was no time to blog! But 2021 is here and it’s time to blog and start eating healthy. That’s why I have decided to incorporate more green veggies in my diet with sprouts. I use the Kaiware seeds from Kitazawa Seed Company. One packet is good for about two batches. They are a little spicy and easy to grow.

Sprouts are like baby vegetables and though they may be small they actually contain a high nutrient value. They have high levels of protein, folate, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese vitamins C and K. They are easily digestible and of course taste delicious! Buying sprouts at the grocery store can be expensive and they are not always fresh; that is why I recommend growing your own.

I grow my sprouts on a sprouting tray but you can also grow them in a Mason jar and, in a matter of days, you too can be eating your own healthy delicious Kaiware Microgreens.

What You Need:

• Large Mason jar, with either a sprouting lid or a piece of cheese cloth and a rubber band (or you can use a sprouting tray as shown in the photo)
• Half a packet of Kaiware seeds
• Lots of water!

Day 1: Soak the seeds over night with at least 4 cups of water.  The seeds will expand as they absorb the water. Place a mesh sprouting lid or a piece of cheese cloth with a rubber band over the opening of the jar.  This will allow your sprouts to breathe and make it easy to add water and rinse your seeds.

Day 2: Drain the water and rinse the seeds, make sure that all the water has been drained, shake the jar to evenly distribute the seeds and let it rest on its side. It is best to rinse your seeds 2-3 times a day, this prevents the seeds from sticking together and prevents them from forming mold and bacteria.  Store the sprouts away from direct sunlight/heat.  I usually leave mine on the kitchen counter.

Day 3-5: Repeat the day 2 rinse and drain your seeds for the next couple of days. The seeds will start to grow tails and sprout. Once the seeds have acquired the proper maturity (3-5 days depending on your sprout preference) you can rinse and dry them on a paper towel and place them (along with the paper towel) in a container or a ziplock bag in the fridge.  Make sure your sprouts stay dry, this will prevent bacterial from growing and keep your sprouts at maximum tastiness. The sprouts should last in your fridge for 3-4 days, but I usually eat mine pretty fast.

Wishing you good health for the New Year!