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Sprouting is an age-old practice which is treasured for maximising the nutritional value of seeds, beans, and grains. The simple process involves a few steps like soaking draining, and allowing the ingredients to germinate. And by following some handy tips and giving the sprouting its due time, you can transform the seeds into their sprouted forms.
Apart from being easily digestible, the sprouted form of seeds, beans, or grains is highly nutritious, and packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and proteins. So, if you want to turn your regular ingredients into their highly nutritious sprouted form, here are some easy tips you should keep in mind while following the basic steps.
Choosing Sprouting Variety
The first step to ensure a successful sprouting is selecting the right seeds, beans, or grains. Since not all types of varieties well, it is important to use only the specific types which are meant for sprouting. To be on the safer side, you can choose organic seeds and untreated beans which are not tampered with harmful chemicals. It is also important to avoid the cracked or older seeds as the fresher ones sprout more quickly and uniformly.
Proper Soaking
After you have the right variety of seeds, the next step is to soak them. Since soaking is a crucial process, it’s best not to rush it. Start by rinsing the seeds, beans, or grains to get rid of any dirt. Then, place them in a large bowl submerged in water. Let the seeds absorb water which will then trigger the germination process. Also, note that you should use filtered water to avoid exposing the seeds to harsh chemicals.
Preventing Moulds
One of the factors that can hamper germination is the growth of moulds during the soaking process. So, the key to ensuring healthy sprouting is regular rinsing and draining. Keep the seeds moist but not waterlogged to prevent moulds. You can then place the moist seeds in a well-ventilated jar to keep the sprouts fresh.
Monitoring Conditions
Another important tip to ensure healthy sprouting is to ensure that you give the seeds, beans, or grains the right external conditions. Most of the seeds sprout best at room temperature, i.e., 15°C to 24°C. When you’re placing the soaked seeds, for smaller varieties, you should avoid direct sunlight which can damage them. Once sprouted you can keep them in direct sunlight for a couple of hours which gives the sprouts a bright green colour.
Harvesting Time
When you’re following the sprouting process, timing is everything. If you leave the sprouts for a long time, they can lose their flavour and even spoil. The ideal time to harvest seeds is about 4-6 days once they grow to 1-2 inches. For beans and lentils, it can take about 3 to 5 days for sprouting. When it comes to grains, it usually takes just 2-3 days for tiny tales to grow and ready to be harvested. Also, after harvesting, don’t wait for a lot of days to add them to your meals as they have the maximum nutrition just after sprouting.
