Sprouts? What’s all the hype? There is even a health food store called Sprouts. Sprouting is a quick and easy way to add nutrition to your diet without all the commitment to weeding and watering.
As summer came to an end, my garden began to die out. Plans for a fall and winter garden came to mind, but I wanted something much more manageable. Then came the idea of sprouts. Sprouts are easy, quick, and nutritious. I decided against actual planting because of time constraints and settled with sprouting.
Sprouts are more than little greens that you can add to you sandwich at the natural food store. Sprouts provide an abundance of nutrients not found in other foods that may even heal cancer cells! I’m not kidding when I say that broccoli sprouts are amazing. There is recent information that suggests eating broccoli sprouts can kill cancer cells, help with ageing , and increase brain behavior. The plant compound called sulforaphane is responsible for all this goodness. Don’t just take my word for it. Dr. Rhonda Patrick has a wealth of scientific information supporting the consumption of broccoli sprouts to live a better life. Check out one of her many podcasts here to get up to date on the science behind broccoli sprouts.
Broccoli sprouts are tiny little sprouts that pack a big punch of goodness to your body. Broccoli sprouts are best eaten raw. The sulforaphane is released when the sprout is broken down (by chewing or in a smoothie). You can also freeze your sprouts if you make them in batches and save them for travel or for later use.
The little sprouts make a huge impact on your health. Like I mentioned before, they can get rid of cancer cells in the body. They are best eaten regularly for the most benefit, but some are always better than none.
Where to get sprouts
I sprout my own at home. It’s fairly quick (about three days) and cost effective. You can also purchase them from your grocery store. Make sure they are broccoli sprouts as there are many different types of sprouts sold.
How to sprout your own
- Purchase Broccoli seeds and sprouting container. Here are the seeds I recommend. Here is the jar I use. You can also find them at your local natural foods store. Mason jars work well. You can buy the special lid for the jar.
2. Fill jar halfway with room temperature water and add 1/4 cup of seeds. Soak seeds overnight in dark area.
3. Drain seeds of water and rinse seeds with cool water. You may see sprouting started.
4. Store in a dark place for day 2.
5. Check and rinse with cool water for day 3.
6. Check and rinse with cool water for day 4. At this point your seeds will have sprouted. You may harvest at day 3 if you are happy with the outcome.
7. Rinse with cold water and drain onto paper towel. Pat dry. Store in fridge for immediate consumption or freeze for later use. They will last a couple of days in the fridge. Enjoy those health benefits!
TIPS
- use filtered water if possible
- rinse more frequently if you suspect contamination
- watch closely for mold if you live somewhere humid
- keep hands and containers clean
How to consume
image from broccolisproutshop.com
I like to add sprouts to almost everything I eat. In the morning I put them on my eggs. At lunch I add them to sandwiches and salads. At dinner I mix them in with whatever it is I am eating. I add them to my children’s food as well by finely chopping and mixing. My oldest loves to eat them plain. They have a slightly spicy taste that is quite enjoyable. While it would be nice to eat them every day, I try to get them in about once a week. If I am stuck for time I will buy them, but they are not quite as fresh and will go bad sooner. Sprouts do spoil easily to watch for that. You will know if they start smelling bad or get slimy.
image from gogoquinoa.com
If you haven’t tried broccoli sprouts yet, try some! Since eating them I have noticed clearer skin, more energy, and less illness. They are a nutrient rich food that can be added to any meal!
I would love to hear about your sprouting experience and if you will start consuming more broccoli sprouts. Let me know in the comments below!
Natalie's Naturals 