Growing Sprouts in Jars

[eDJ_]

In another thread there was some interest mentioned in this simple, inexpensive, and nutritious activity.
Sprouts can be a handy substitute for sandwich dressings such as Lettuce which doesn't keep long and
will likely require refrigeration.  Sprouts on the other hand can be kept growing in various jars
in cycles so that you can always have them fresh and at room temperature.

There are special lids you can buy for mason jars that allow for frequent irrigation with water and for fresh air to
enter as seeds require it to germinate.  But for the cost of these lids you can buy a lot of various seeds used for
sprouting. Different sprouts will have their own flavors and work work well in various recipes. 

Since there are loads of websites around that address this I'll just post one that is quite detailed with information and photos.   It also shows how to make your own lids from that plastic needlework mesh you can purchase at craft stores or even WalMart.  You may even find some of it at resale stores like Good Will or Salvation Army.  

Before you know it you'll have your own micro garden

How to grow Sprouts

 

[solona]

Great idea!

 

[highdesertranger]

intriguing, I must say this is interesting and I have plenty of Mason Jars. thanks for sharing eDJ. highdesertranger

 

[eDJ_]

Pleased that you all like it.   :blush:  

If in your travels you find some Health Food or Natural Food Stores they will probably have sprouting seeds packaged in small cellophane envelopes  or possibly in bulk containers to sell by the pound.  Or,  if a few people are going to a rally or meet-up, they could buy one pound bags of these seeds and trade or sell 1/2 ounce quantities in sandwich bags to each other. (just use fresh clean bags right out of the box)   I think it is better to buy them in smaller quantities so that they will remain fresher and more likely to sprout.   It may also be better to keep small quantities of these seeds if you have several kinds of them in your storage.  

When you rinse them several times a day,  you could use an ADC coffee filter 8 to 10 cup size to place over the jar lid.
the water would filter out and retain the seeds in the bottle.  When the water is drained just turn the opening of the bottle upward and tap the base on a table to knock the seeds back down into the jar.   Once the seeds or beans have sprouted and grown just a bit,  the lid screen will be enough to retain them in the jar when you rinse them.

If you like to cook Chinese in a Wok as I do,  you may want to keep Mung Bean Seeds and Soy Beans on hand to sprout and incorporate in your Chop Suey.   They are the two most common used in that Chinese cuisine.    But Mung Bean sprouts  and Alfalfa sprouts are probably the two most commonly used sprouts for general cooking and both are mild flavored and tender.   Radish and Mustard seed sprouts have a peppery flavor.  Cabbage seed sprouts have the flavor of cabbage.  Chive seed sprouts have the flavor of onions.   Still there are many other seeds & beans that can be sprouted and eaten raw or cooked and they will have their own character.

Just keep everything clean from the get go and remember a little bleach in water or even white vinegar can sterilize your jars and lids.  So this is a low bucks high benefits project that can travel or camp with you.

 

[Dingfelder]

I was really into sprouting during the warm seasons last year and am about to start up again. I grow them in the little disposable 2x4, I think it is, aluminum foil plates now. They grow very well, and I let them grow longer than people usually let sprouts grow. I love pretty much all kinds, including sunflower, and especially basil, which are slow growing but last a really long time and have even more flavor than the full-grown plant does. Broccoli is good too, and nothing is as quick and reliable as radish. Mung beans are good too.

Just be sure you use seeds that are safe for human consumption. Many seeds intended for planting are pre-treated with insecticides and other chemicals, even if it doesn't say so on the seed package.

 

[optionsexplored]

I've done this at home often. I use any kind of container, but find that some of the plastic rice or similar containers. That can be turned on side give better growing surface, overall height since it's a rectangle essentially when on its side, and free after you consume the rice.

For rinsing I have just used a piece of window screen blubber banded around the opening. You could drill holes in the cap, but that may require taking the cap off when filling with water before draining.

It's worked quite well for years of bean sprouts. I haven't tried other types.

 

[Dingfelder]

It's really pretty cheap too, which is great. Sprouts in stores are pretty pricey and don't last long. They last a long time grown in soil.

 

[highdesertranger]

a little reminder to everybody. you cannot take these or any live plants into California. and yes they have checkpoints on the border to find all you sprouts smugglers. highdesertranger

 

[optionsexplored]

But, they're just house plants....

https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/factsheets/TransportingPlantsCA.pdf

 

[highdesertranger]

I double dare you to try it and then argue your point with the border guards, while they inspect your plants. BTW you better not have anything else illegal in your vehicle. highdesertranger

 

[optionsexplored]

I double dare you to try it and then argue your point with the border guards,  while they inspect your plants.  BTW you better not have anything else illegal in your vehicle.  highdesertranger

Sure. I'll let you know how it goes the next time I head to CA with plants.

 

[Dingfelder]

i always thought you could tell them to go F themselves, essentially. Who says you have to confess to anything, and do they really have the right to inspect your car without a warrant?

To be clear, I agree with the idea of not transferring infected plants to uninflicted areas.

But I do find border guards creepily intimidating and not at all clear, for my benefit or theirs, as to how much power they really have. Can we really violate the constitutions's prohibitions against search and seizure just because some official rando says I wanna do look in your trunk or make you swear you didn't do it?

 

[optionsexplored]

Easy answer seems to be yes they can. Reasonable suspicion leads to probable cause and then search, in general. Right or wrong that is what it is. State law also prevails, and I haven't read up on that and am no attorney so don't take my word for it

I have crossed to CA many times wjth fruits for personal consumption. They seem to care mostly for crops grown in CA so some things aren't a concern.

 

[Dingfelder]

How could you possibly have reasonable suspicion that someone has, say, an orange or a cabbage in the car?

Could any judge not essentially on the take from the county justify that?

What does it take to suspect an arugula?

 

[highdesertranger]

"Could any judge not essentially on the take from the county justify that?"

never been to California, have you?

highdesertranger

 

[B and C]

By going there, you are agreeing to their laws and terms. If you don't agree, no one is making you go there.

 

[seak]

I grew up in California and still travel there frequently. I have crossed the state border many times. Sometimes with a travel trailer, many more times with camping gear in the car.

Often times the at inspection stations are closed, but usually open in summer. I have never had my vehicle searched. I do run out my produce before crossing so I can answer truthfully, but that's just me. I have had zero hassles and don't think this is a big deal unless you make it into one.

 

[Dingfelder]

"Could any judge not essentially on the take from the county justify that?"

never been to California,  have you?

highdesertranger

Only for 30 years.

 

[Dingfelder]

By going there, you are agreeing to their laws and terms.  If you don't agree, no one is making you go there.

Search and seizure is in the Bill of Rights.

 

[B and C]

Have it your way.