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How do I grow my own beansprouts?

3 replies

windmill · 27/04/2003 13:18

Years ago I used to be constantly sprouting my own beans and seeds, especially mung beans that make the popular beansprouts used in Chinese cookery and alfalfa. I never got on with the tray method and used to use the jar method instead. I must be going mad because I have completely forgotten how to do it. I know you fill the jar with water twice a day, swirl it round and then empty it but that's all I can remember. Does anybody know how to start off?

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mammya · 27/04/2003 21:58

Windmill, here's what I found in my Pocket Encyclopedia of Vegetarian Cooking:

Put 2 tablespoons of seeds in a jar and soak them in plenty of lukewarm water overnight, to encourage them to germinate more quickly.

Next day, drain off the water. Put the seeds on a suitable tray or leave them in the jar. Put in a warm place but not in direct sun (the airing cupboard is ideal). They need good ventilation and a constant temperature of 13-21 degrees C (55-70F). Remember to allow enough space in the container for the growth of the sprouts.

Every night and morning pour warm water over the seeds. Turn the jar, if you are using one, upside down so the water can drain away completely. If not properly drained the sprouts can go mouldy, but be careful not to rinse them so vigorously that you damage the delicate shoots.

Grain sprouts take 2-3 days, beans and lentils 5-7 days, to be at their best. When ready, give them a final rinse. Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Use an airtight container with a double layer of kitchen paper or muslin at the bottom to absord excess moisture.

HTH. I haven't tryed it myself but I think I will now!

Let me know how if it works.

GillW · 27/04/2003 22:06

That's pretty much how we used to do it - all I can add is that we used jam or coffee jars with a piece of muslin held over the top by an elastic band, so that you could leave it upside down after rinsing it and it would drain completely. We had a sort of box with holes cut in the lid for the jars to sit upside down in - I'm sure if you know anyone who is handy with a jigsaw they could knowck one up quite easily.

windmill · 28/04/2003 08:50

Thanks, both of you, I'll buy some beans today

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