How to Make a Sprout Jar

Place 1 tablespoon of seeds or 4 tablespoons of beans into a clean jar. Remove any seeds that look damaged. Place a piece of cheesecloth or dye-free pantyhose over the opening of the jar. Secure the "screen" with a rubber band.

Fill the jar up halfway with cool filtered water. Swirl the seeds around to rinse. Gently pour out all of the water. Refill the jar and and soak the seeds or beans overnight. Dump out the water or pour into a plant. Rinse again. Keep the jar in a low-light location.

Repeat rinsing two to three times a day as this keeps the seeds damp. Place the jar upside down -- at an angle -- in a bowl between rinsings to drain out excess water. When the seeds begin to sprout, between the fourth to sixth day, place the jar in brighter location, avoiding direct sunlight. Eat the sprouts when the shoots are between 1 1/2 to 2 inches long.

Add raw sprouts to salads, sandwiches and on top of soups. Blend sprouts into baby food or dressings. Store sprouts in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.