Seed Sprouting for Boondockers

[Charlotte's Web]

I bet many of you already sprout seeds.  I've been doing it since the 60's--especially boondocking when supplies of fresh greens daily is a challenge.  But if the practice is new to you, here's a little introduction:

There's wide choice of seeds to sprout, not just the quintessential alfalfa (not my favorite).  I started sprouting years ago using 1 qt mason jars.  Later I bought a Bioset sprouter, but found it a bother to use & have gone happily back to mason jars.

I buy sprouting seed from Johnny's Seed.  When stored in freezer or fridge, your seed supply stays viable for years!  Just keep them away from heat, light, air.  Johnny's offers a huge selection of sprouting seed with a wide variety of flavors, from sweet & nutty to piquant.  I really like the mustard seed on tacos!

Little water is needed for rinsing sprouting seeds several times daily.  Discarded rinse water is full of vitamins & can be used in cooking.  Dogs & cats love it, so don't pour it down the drain!  Sprouts are a great addition to salads, tacos, stir fry, omelettes---endless uses. 

Here is a link to Johnny's with easy instructions.  From this page, you'll find their list of available sprouting seed, which includes "flavor" guide for each variety.

http://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/vegetables/sprouts-growing-instructions.html

!Provecho!
Charlotte

 

[TrainChaser]

Another good site for seeds and information is from the SproutPeople at https://sproutpeople.org/

They also sell a set of three jar caps with different sizes of mesh that fit onto ordinary wide-mouth canning jars.

Just use the sprouts fresh and don't let them sit around and get moldy.

 

[Gypsy Clipper]

I buy lentils and garbanzo beans from Walmart.Soak them in a jar overnight.Rinse the next day and wrap them in flour sack towels and stick them in a tote in the front seat of my van. I rinse then two times a day depending how large I want the sprouts then I add them to all the canned beans and rice I eat. I think it helps to negate the effects of eating so much canned food. Plus they are yummy. I love sprouts raw or cooked.

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[highdesertranger]

mind you I have nothing against sprouting but several states have laws about transporting plants into their states. California is real funny about it, in fact they are so funny they have agriculture inspection stations on every major point of entry. they would have a heart attack if they found your sprouts. just fair warning. highdesertranger

 

[Charlotte's Web]

Another good site for seeds and information is from the SproutPeople at https://sproutpeople.org/

They also sell a set of three jar caps with different sizes of mesh that fit onto ordinary wide-mouth canning jars.

Appreciate the SP link, I'd forgotten about them & need to order more mesh inserts. 

A great salad can be made with sprouts, sliced pickled eggs & onion slices.  Top it with vinagrette, perhaps a handful of lightly toasted sunflower seeds, a few croutons made with stale bread & garlic...voila!---a gorgeous salad with built in protein.  Especially good in hot weather.

Charlotte

 

[frater secessus]

My go-to sprouts are lentils and peas, though I've done a bunch of others ( fenugreek, broccoli, radish, etc). I've never gotten a good sprout off chickpeas but I'll try again.

I prefer the mason jars with a screened lid. Recently got some terracotta for chia but haven't done it yet.

 

[Charlotte's Web]

mind you I have nothing against sprouting but several states have laws about transporting plants into their states. California is real funny about it,  in fact they are so funny they have agriculture inspection stations on every major point of entry.  they would have a heart attack if they found your sprouts.  just fair warning. 

Good reminder!  Just plan to consume all sprouts before reaching CA.  Years ago, crossing into Guatemala, I had three jars of sprouts greening up on my dashboard.  Agents confiscated my jars, & just for "good measure" sprayed some real nasty smelling stuff all over my tires before they let me cross the border.  

Can't be too careful about sprouts! Ha Ha.
Charlotte

 

[highdesertranger]

Paraquat? LOL highdesertranger

 

[Charlotte's Web]

I've never gotten a good sprout off chickpeas but I'll try again.  
I prefer the mason jars with a screened lid.
Recently got some terracotta for chia but haven't done it yet.

Chickpeas are best, I think, made into hummus!---grand with sprouts & flat bread. 
I also use mason jars with screened lid.  Easy as can be.  Best sprouts ever.

Did you get one of those terracotta "pets" for sprouting chia seeds?  If it works, report back!

Charlotte

 

[frater secessus]

I got a plain terracotta pot thingy for fifty cents to practice on. If I can get results I'll find something food grade.