Quick and easy to grow and very nutritious. Sprouts are the beginning of seeds, grains and beans growing into vegetables.They are as varied as the plants from which they are derived and excellent for use in salads and sandwiches.They are a living, raw food. Sprouts are eaten smaller than Microgreens which are usually allowed to develop four or more leaves. Microgreens are cut from their roots rather than eaten in their entirety.
How to Grow..
Sprouts can be grown in purpose made sprouters, in jam jars, or on a wet cloth in a dish.
The principle is that they germinate when moistened and are kept damp while they grow. They also need to be regularly ‘washed’. They need good light and warmth but not direct sunlight. Microgreens can be grown in a purpose made growing tray in which the roots grow into water, or they can be grown in a quality soil mix.
Benefits..
Sprouts are often described as a miracle food for the huge number of micronutrients they contain. They are considerably more nutritious than mature plants. The benefits to our health from eating sprouts are numerous. According to a study from the International Journal of Applied Science, sprouts have the highest concentration of phytonutrients per calorie of any food. Phytonutrients play an active role in the amelioration of disease. https://sprouting.com.
Further reading about the disputed benefits of sprouts as an alkalising food can be found at https://herbsarespecial.com.au/free-sprout-information/sprouts-are-alkaline.html and https://en.wikipedia.org – alkaline diets.
Did you know..
• Studies have shown that playing music to your seeds can increase the germination rate.
• Microgreens can contain up to 4-6 times the nutrient value of the mature plant.
• Some seeds of a flowering plant native to Siberia that had been buried by an Ice Age squirrel were Radiocarbon dated, confirming that the seeds were 32,000 years old. They were placed in vials, and germinated. The plants grew, flowered, and after a year, created seeds of their own.
Recipe..
Middle Eastern Style Cheese Balls with Sprouts and Parsley
120g feta cheese
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup sprouts
1/4 cup dried cranberries
2 teaspoon red chilli flakes
1/2 teaspoon cumin
Black pepper to taste
Mash all ingredients together. Using oiled hands, roll spoonfuls into balls and serve. It is that easy!
https://www.isga-sprouts.org