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How to Sprout Organic Seeds

Sprouting your own organic seeds is easy. Sesame, pumpkin, sunflower and flaxseed are the ones most commonly sprouted. Avoid sprouting any seeds that are derived from plants with poisonous components. Be sure to look for the organic certification before purchasing. This will ensure that the seeds were grown and handled without pesticides. If you decide to collect your own seeds, dry them at the outset and store them in a clean, dry environment before sprouting.

Things You'll Need

  • Wide-mouth mason jar or similar (pickles, mayo)
  • Dried organic seeds, such as pumpkin, sunflower and sesame
  • Bowl
  • Screen, netting or cheesecloth
  • Rubber band
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Instructions

  1. How to Sprout Organic Seeds

    • 1

      Purchase dried organic seeds online at sites such as Sprout People or The Sprout House, or in a local health food store.

    • 2

      Sort through the seeds and dispose of any that appear split or discolored. If not removed, these could potentially rot the whole yield.

    • 3

      Wash out your glass jar in warm, soapy water or sterilize in the dishwasher. Dry thoroughly.

    • 4

      Put one to four tablespoons of seeds in the glass jar. Quantity depends upon the size of the seeds and jar. Pack them loosely to prevent rotting. Add water and swirl it around gently. Drain the water and add one cup of fresh cool water.

    • 5

      Cover the jar lip with screening or netting such as tulle or cheesecloth. Secure with a rubber band and place the jar in a dark warm place for approximately four to eight hours.

    • 6

      Open up the jar after the allotted time and drain out the stale water. Remove any floating seeds or cracked hulls. Rinse the seeds thoroughly and pat them dry. Refill the jar with fresh cool water, swirl it around and drain.

    • 7

      Invert the jar and support it at an angle in the bowl. After the initial process of the above steps, continue to rinse, drain and refill the jar with fresh, cool water twice a day. Place the jar back into a dark, warm place and keep the screen unblocked for proper circulation. Continue this method for three to six days or until the seed sprouts are one to two inches long.

    • 8

      Eat seed sprouts while fresh, either raw or cooked. Store the finished sprouts in a clean, sterilized container. Add them to sandwiches, entrees, salads and soups. Incorporate them in dips, pizza and even desserts (see Resources).