How to Grow Long Sprouts

Place a cup of seeds in the bottom of a clean wide-mouth jar. Only use organic seeds or seeds labeled as appropriate for sprouting, since commercial seeds may contain chemical fungicides. Use a separate jar for each type of seed.

Cut a piece of wire mesh or cheesecloth to fit the jar's screw-top ring, using tin snips or scissors.

Place the wire mesh or cheesecloth over the mouth of the jar and secure it in place with the screw-top ring.

Pour cold water into the jar through the mesh top to rinse your seeds, then tilt the jar to drain the water.

Fill the jar with 2 cups of lukewarm water and let the seeds soak for 24 hours.

Drain the water, rinse the seeds with lukewarm water and drain them. Do not add any more water to the seeds, as this will cause them to spoil.

Leave the jar in an environment with a temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Sprouts left in the light will be stronger tasting, more bitter and more nutritious, while sprouts left in a dark spot such as a cupboard will have a milder taste. You can also alternate between dark and light spots for a stronger tasting sprout that isn't too bitter.

Rinse sprouts in lukewarm water and drain them 2 to 4 times a day. Your sprouts will be ready in 2 to 6 days. When sprouts reach the desired length, rinse off their hulls, drain them thoroughly and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to a week.