Bean Sprouts

Sprouts

Grow your own Sprouts

To sprout your own beans all you need is a wide neck bottle, a piece of muslin or clean stocking and an elastic band!!

1. Place a tablespoon of beans in a colander and wash well (keep to one variety at a time).
2. Place the drained beans in large bowl and cover with tepid water; leave for 24 hours then drain and rinse.
3. Place the beans in a jar and seal with muslin and a rubber band; pour in tepid water and strain through the muslin; (repeat this process  at least three times during the day); leave the jar tilted on its side so any residual water may drain off gradually (this is essential as water left in the jar can cause mould);
4. Leave the jar in a darkened cupboard for 3 – 4 days or until the seeds have sprouted to about 3 centimetres in length and a couple of leaf tips are beginning to show.
5. On the last day place the jar in a sunny position for a few hours to encourage the sprouts to produce chlorophyll; discard any beans that haven’t sprouted.
6. Refrigerate the sprouts for up to 2 weeks in a sealed plastic bag.

Health Benefits of Sprouts

These wonderfully crunchy sprouts are abundant in health giving enzymes and add a new element of texture to salads, wraps and stir fries. Sprouts are nutritional superstars and are rich in antioxidants. They contain all the essential nutrients that our bodies require as well as two very important anti aging nucleic acids, namely DNA and RNA.  Sprouts boost your immune system. They also aid healthy digestion. Nearly all beans are possible to sprout, the easiest of which are adzuki, lentils, mung and alfalfa whilst those providing the most health benefits are broccoli, quinoa, millet and daikon.