Sprouts are nutrition powerhouses and you may not have realized how easy they are to grow at home!
What are Sprouts?
The foundation of sprouts is the seed. Each seed holds vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in reserve, awaiting a suitable environment to begin growing. When we provide air, water, and the appropriate temperature, a miracle begins. The seed germinates, it begins to sprout and an incredible flow of energy is released. Natural chemical changes occur, such as:
Enzymes are activated, which are necessary for food digestion.
Proteins convert to free amino acids – the building blocks of our bodies.
Starches change to simple sugars.
Minerals combine to increase assimilation.
Vitamin content increases from three to 12 or more times.
Chlorophyll and carotene content increases dramatically when exposed to sunlight.
The health benefits of sprouts are numerous, including improved digestion and nutrient absorption. They are also a rich source of antioxidants, making them great for the immune system and a welcome addition to any anti-inflammatory diet. Emerging evidence also shows that sprouts may have anti-tumor effects and have the potential to inhibit cancers in the breast, prostate, and bladder.
What are the benefits of sprouting?
Sprouts are one of the easiest foods you can grow indoors. They require barely any space—if you can fit a Mason jar on your counter, then you have enough space. You don’t need any special equipment. And heck, you don’t even need a sunny window! Sprouts are a veggie that everyone can (and should) grow.
Aside from the fact that sprouts are an easy, cheap, and tasty vegetable anyone can grow, sprouting also has some real nutritional benefits. Sprouting legumes, grains, and seeds make them much easier to digest by breaking down the anti-nutrients that are common in those foods. If you’ve ever had trouble digesting a particular grain or legume, I highly recommend trying it sprouted before writing it off altogether. You might be pleasantly surprised that sprouted beans or grains don’t bother your body! In general, sprouting also increases the vitamin C and B content and the fiber! Sprouts rock.
What can I sprout?
You can sprout almost any legume, seed, or nut. Everything from chickpeas to broccoli to millet to radish to red clover to mung beans. Homegrown sprouts are remarkably inexpensive and easy to grow!
We like the sprouts below because they are rich in protein, high in Vitamins A, C, E, and K, and rich in minerals like iron, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Alfalfa Sprouts
Broccoli Sprouts
Chickpea Sprouts
Lentil Sprouts
Pea Sprouts
Mung Bean Sprouts
Red Clover Sprouts
The following are 3 of my favorite and easy, delicious recipes for sprouts -
1. Stuffed into Sandwiches Smaller sprouts like alfalfa, radish, and broccoli add a delightful fresh crunch to sandwiches. I especially love them on soft grain bread.
2. Atop Crackers w/ Hummus & Veggies
3. Sprinkled on Salads
Obviously, a sprinkle of fresh microgreens is never unwelcome in a scrumptious salad! When you’ve got a microgreen tray or sprout jar going constantly, it’s easy and yummy to garnish your salads with a little extra sprouty flair.