{"id":14459,"date":"2021-05-07T14:14:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-07T18:14:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/?p=14459"},"modified":"2022-06-29T10:47:32","modified_gmt":"2022-06-29T14:47:32","slug":"why-you-need-to-get-more-microgreens-and-sprouts-into-your-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thatorganicmom.com\/why-you-need-to-get-more-microgreens-and-sprouts-into-your-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Sprouts and Microgreens for a Healthy Diet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sprouts, microgreens, and shoots are often used interchangeably but they are not all the same thing<\/strong>. So, first let's take a look at the difference between the three words before we dive into how to grow sprouts and microgreens (or shoots!) All sprouts, microgreens, and shoots begin as a seed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sprouts<\/strong> – Grown from a seed without soil. The entire seed and sprout is consumed in one piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microgreens<\/strong> – Cut from seeds grown in a medium such as a special type of soil. Microgreens and shoots are basically the same in that they both require a growing medium and the seed is not eaten. Just the “shoot” from the seed. Microgreens are usually harvested along with one or more sets of leaves, whereas shoots may be eaten before the first set of leaves appear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Shoots<\/strong> – Very similar to sprouts, however, shoots can be cut from the same seed multiple times. For example, pea shoots are grown from peas that grow inside pods. They are typically cut just above soil level and harvested at least twice, sometimes three times. They make a delicious salad or addition to stir fry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Microgreens and Shoots are both harvested by cutting. Sprouts are eaten whole, including the tiny root system, which sometimes looks like fine fuzzy growth at the bottom. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Grow Sprouts and Microgreens at Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You've probably experienced a bit of sticker shock buying them at the grocery store. With a small investment and very little effort, you'll become an expert at growing them at home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sprouts are fairly easy to grow as well but have a wider margin for error than microgreens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To grow sprouts, seeds are first soaked in water, then drained, and rinsed frequently while they grow. Sprouts require humid conditions to sprout and grow; ironically, these conditions are also ideal for certain bacteria's growth. Like most fresh produce, there is a risk of bacteria. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing in a small space<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To get started you'll need sprouting seeds and a jar with a mesh lid, or you can also use a bit of cheesecloth. Some people sprout seeds inside a mesh bag. You do not need soil of any kind to grow sprouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even the smallest studio apartments usually have enough room for growing sprouts. Microgreen trays take up more room, but if you have space on a counter or a wire shelf, that's perfect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the Right Containers and Seeds to sprout  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Choose organic seeds for sprouting that haven't been sprayed with a fungicide. Look for seeds labeled non-GMO or organic seeds for sprouting or microgreens; these have a higher germination rate, and sometimes, they will be listed on the package. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use a decorative jar or stainless steel tray for growing sprouts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Stainless Steel Sprouting Tray<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"How
Stainless Steel Tray without the Lid on<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The stainless steel sprouting tray came with a water tray, mesh tray for draining, and a stainless steel lid. It also had a rinse me label sticker which I do not use, a re-usable pen, and a cotton sprouting bag. At the time of this writing the sprouting tray I purchased here comes with a 3 year warranty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Wash the parts with warm soapy water.<\/li>
  2. Soak seeds in fresh water for 8-12 hours.<\/li>
  3. Pour the seeds into the mesh sprouting tray, spread evenly, rinse I use my sink sprayer.<\/li>
  4. Allow seeds to grow under the lid. You may remove the lid when the sprouts start growing leaves. This will allow them to turn a bit more green.<\/li>
  5. Rinse sprouts and their ready to eat. (I use a salad spinner to get all the water off mine before putting them on a sandwich, etc.)<\/li>
  6. Store sprouts in the refrigerator.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    You can find my favorite sprouting tools in my Amazon Idea List for Sprouts<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Decorative Hanging Sprout Jar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"How<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    With this sprouting jar, I always hold the base in the palm of my hand. I don't pick it up by the lid or the little piece of glass used for hooking it onto the base. Keep in mind, water makes the glass more slippery, so be careful not to drop the jar! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The lid on this jar is stainless steel and should not rus<\/strong>t, but if it does get dirty, soak it in distilled white vinegar. Actually, I rinse mine in vinegar between uses, so mine has never turned brown. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The sprouts will turn green faster if they are exposed to a bit of sunlight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Put the stand wherever you'll be keeping it.<\/li>
    2. Add the glass drip tray to the bottom of the stand.<\/li>
    3. Soak seeds in the jar for 8-12 hours (or as recommended on your seed pack)<\/li>
    4. Drain and rinse 2-3 times.<\/li>
    5. Hook the jar with seeds (upside down) onto the stand.<\/li>
    6. Rinse twice daily while the sprouts grow for 3-5 days. (If it's hot inside your home, rinse more frequently.)<\/li>
    7. The sprouts are ready to eat! I put mine in a salad spinner to get off the excess water before I eat and store them.<\/li>
    8. Refrigerate sprouts.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

      How to start growing sprouts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
      1. Use clean seeds and sterilize the sprouting jar *see methods below <\/li>
      2. Rinse with clean water<\/li>
      3. Soak for 12 hours<\/li>
      4. Remove floating seeds as they likely won't sprout. <\/li>
      5. Drain (if they don't drain well, they may rot and it also helps prevent bacteria from growing)<\/li>
      6. Rinse 2-3 times per day for 4-5 days using clean cold water.<\/li>
      7. Day 5 or 6, depending on the type of seed, expose to sunlight so the sprouts can turn green.<\/li>
      8. Harvest and eat when sprouts turn green and have their seed leaves, or wait a bit longer until thy get their first set of true leaves. (Cotyledon)<\/li>
      9. In between batches, thoroughly clean your sprouting jar or containers to prevent contamination.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Sterilizing Sprouting Jars and Trays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        There are several methods recommended for sterilizing your equipment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n