Can You Use Plastic to Sprout Lentils?

Size Matters

• Choose the plastic container's size based on the amount of lentils you start with and how far you want them to sprout. For four servings, start with 1/4 cup of lentils, which makes 2 cups of lentils. So, you'd need a plastic container that holds at least 2 cups. For short-sprouted lentils use a quart or half-gallon container. For long-sprouted lentils use a gallon container. Appropriate plastic containers include food storage containers with tightly fitting lids, recycled dairy product or ice cream containers and wide-mouthed plastic lidded jars.

Put a Lid on It

• Use containers with lids, so you can crack the lid to let out the water when you’re rinsing the lentils. You can also cut a piece of nylon net or plastic mesh and rubber band it in place over the opening for easier draining and rinsing.

See the Light

• When using clear plastic containers, put the lentils in a dark place to sprout. Short-sprouted lentils should have a root showing but no seed leaves after two days. Long-sprouted lentils should have seed leaves showing, and you can put them in bright light long enough for some green color to form. When the sprouts are ready, keep them in the sprouting container or transfer them to a plastic bag.

The BPA Concern

• You may have concerns about the possibility of polycarbonate plastic containers leaching bisphenol A into the sprouts. BPA, an industrial chemical used in hard, clear plastics since the 1960s, could have effects on the brain, prostate gland and behavior. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration supports the safety of current low levels of human BPA exposure. You can buy BPA-free hard, clear, plastic containers or sprouting containers, so use these for sprouting if you’re worried, or choose softer, non-carbonate plastic containers.