How to Make a Yam Sprout in a Jar of Water

Wash the jar thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Recycled mayonnaise or quart Mason jars are the optimal size for growing yam sprouts. Make sure no residue from previous foods remains in the jar or it will contaminate the water.

Select a yam that fits into the mouth of the jar. Make sure the yam is narrow enough that one of the end extends at least 3 inches into the jar, but is not so long so that the bottom hits the bottom of the jar. The bottom must sit in the water while leaving room to grow roots.

When the yam is in the jar leaving enough space for roots, note how much of the yam remains outside of the jar. Use a ruler to measure the distance from the rim of the jar to the top of the yam.

Remove the yam from the jar. Using the ruler as a guide, insert toothpicks at the point where the yam matched the rim of the jar. Depending on the weight of the yam, four or five toothpicks may be enough. The toothpicks set on the rim and keep the yam from falling into the jar.

Fill the jar with enough water so that it covers the bottom of the yam. Place the jar in a warm, sunny window, and make sure the temperature in that area is at least 50 degrees F. Monitor the jar daily and add water when needed. In two to six weeks, you should see sprouts appear from the top of the yam.