How to Sprout Beans, Grains and Seeds
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup beans, grains or seeds
- water
Instructions
- Soak beans, grains or seeds overnight in a jar.
- Drain and rinse.
- Choose your sprouting equipment. Place beans, grains or seeds in a jar with a piece of cheesecloth attached securely to the lid, in a colander covered with a plate and resting on another plate or spread across a pie plate covered with a plate.
- Rinse and drain twice a day.
- Return to the sprouting surface (jar, colander, pie plate).
- Wait 2 to 4 days for tails to grow at least the length of the bean, grain or seed.
- When ready, refrigerate sprouts for up to a week.
Notes
1. Do not sprout kidney beans. Raw kidney beans contain the toxin phytohaemagglutinin. Kidney beans must be cooked to neutralize this toxin.
2. I eat my sprouts raw in salads or even just by the handful as I pack my finished product into a container for the refrigerator. But Sally Fallon warns against “overconsumption of raw sprouted grains as raw sprouts contain irritating substances that keep animals from eating the tender shoots. These substances are neutralized in cooking. Sprouted grains should usually be eaten lightly steamed or added to soups and casseroles.”
3. The FDA warns people against eating raw sprouts as they can harbor pathogens such as Salmonella, Listeria or E. coli. The agency has put out many recommendations on sprouted seeds—for industry. But keep in mind, the FDA has in the past also stated that “Raw milk is inherently dangerous. It
should not be consumed by anyone at any time for any purpose.” 4. Consider yourself forewarned of the dangers of producing your own food.
should not be consumed by anyone at any time for any purpose.” 4. Consider yourself forewarned of the dangers of producing your own food.