The Joys of Sprouting Seeds

My packed lunches back in the days of primary school always attracted a lot of attention. (Norwegian schools don’t provide meals, so every child brings their own packed lunch.) Most kids bring sandwiches of some description, and that is what my packed lunches were as well, but I often had these strange worm-like green things emerging from my food. These were sprouted seeds.

Step 1

Decide what to grow. There are gazillions of different seeds to choose from. You can sprout most seeds, just make sure they are edible. Some companies sell seeds and seed mixes that are designed to be sprouted, with instructions on the packet. But there is no reason why you have to use these, your imagination is the limit.

Step 2

Pour a tablespoon of seeds into a jar. This doesn’t look much, but they grow more than you would think. As a rule, the smaller the seeds, the less you should use at one time.

Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours. This kick-starts the growing. I use a sprouting-jar, but there is no need to buy any specialist equipment, you can use a jam jar or a plastic bottle with the top cut off. You will also need a small tea-towel and an elastic band. Place the tea-towel over the top of the jar/bottle, and fasten it with the elastic band.

Step 3

Drain the seeds, and place the jar upside down so any residual water runs out: you don’t want a soggy soup gathering in the bottom of the jar. The best way to empty the jar is to use the tea-towel as a sieve, to let the water escape but keeping the seeds in the jar.

Cover the jar with a towel to keep it dark for the first 24 hours. This encourages the sprouting.

Step 4

The seeds want to be rinsed twice a day while they are growing. This is so that they have access to clean water, which makes them grow more, and also to clean them to avoid fungus settling and growing. Each time you rinse them; fill the jar with water, and then empty the jar. Repeat three times, and then leave the jar upside down.

Step 5

Repeat step 4 for three to four days, depending on the type of seed. Some grow quicker than others. They are ready when there are little green leaves emerging at the top of each sprouted seed.

Step 6

Start using your seeds. You can put them in the fridge to make them last longer. I find that they keep longer if you rinse them once a day even after they are ready sprouted.