Sprout something new
There’s something satisfying and almost magical about watching your next meal grow in front of your eyes.
Maybe it’s the anticipation of enjoying a fresh and nutritious meal, packed with protein, vitamins, minerals and other important dietary compounds that keep you feeling your best.
It could be the satisfaction of being self-reliant, taking more control of your health, your diet and your lifestyle.
Perhaps it’s the speed and ease with which sprouts grow, with no soil, no fertilizers and no green thumb necessary to be successful.
No matter what drives you, we want to thank you for making us a part of your journey from seed to sprout.
What is sprouting?
Sprouts are the first stage of plant growth. As they come out of dormancy and germinate, they break free from their outer shell, grow a tail and start to develop their first pair of leaves – all from one tiny seed and a bit of water.
Seeds –> Sprouts –> Microgreen –> Plant
In a garden, much of this process happens underground, but soil isn’t actually necessary for growing sprouts indoors. In fact, it can be done with nothing more than a little water, space, time and care.
That’s what sprouting is all about: giving seeds everything they need to achieve that first stage of growth.
Our Favorite Varieties
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Alfalfa
Difficulty: Easy
Seed Qty: Up to 2 tbsp
Soak: 6-12 hours
Rinse: 2x per day
Harvest: 2-3” long in 5-6 days -
Alfalfa sprouts are a powerhouse of nutrition and adding them to your diet is an absolute no-brainer! They're low in calories and packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, calcium, potassium and iron. Plus, they're packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals that may help reduce the risk of certain diseases. To use them, simply add them to your favorite salads, sandwiches, or wraps for an extra crunch and a pop of flavor. You can also add them to bowls, omelets, or smoothies for an extra boost of nutrition. The possibilities are endless!
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Broccoli
Difficulty: Medium
Seed Qty: Up to 2 tbsp
Soak: 2-4 hours
Rinse: 2x per day
Harvest: 3-4” long in 5-7 days -
Broccoli sprouts are incredibly beneficial for your health and incorporating them into your diet is a must! They're packed with nutrients like vitamins C and E, calcium, and minerals like magnesium and potassium. They also contain high levels of a compound called sulforaphane, which has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. To use them, simply add them to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or use them as a garnish. Also adding them to bowls, smoothies, or omelettes gives an extra boost of nutrition. Get creative and have fun experimenting with these tiny green powerhouses!
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Clover
Difficulty: Easy
Seed Qty: Up to 2 tbsp
Soak: 6-12 hours
Rinse: 2x per day
Harvest: 1-2” long in 4-6 days -
Clover sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse that you will want to start eating! They're packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, including vitamin A and C and minerals like iron, magnesium and manganese. Not only that, but they are also a great source of dietary fiber, and protein, can help in digestion and weight management. To use them, simply add them to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or use them as a garnish. They can also be eaten as a salad by themselves. With its delicate flavor, clover sprouts can enhance and elevate the taste of your dishes. Get creative and have fun experimenting!
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Fenugreek
Difficulty: Medium
Seed Qty: Up to 2 tbsp
Soak: 6-12 hours
Rinse: 2x per day
Harvest: 1-3” long in 2-5 days -
Fenugreek sprouts are incredibly nutrient-dense and adding them to your diet is a fantastic idea! They're packed with vitamin B-complex, iron, potassium, and manganese. They also contain high levels of phytoestrogens, which have been linked to potential health benefits such as hormone balance. To use them, simply add them to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or use them as a garnish. They also can be eaten as a salad by themselves. Fenugreek sprouts have a unique and distinctive taste, a bit nutty and sweet. Get creative and have fun experimenting with this superfood!
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Radish
Difficulty: Easy
Seed Qty: Up to 2 tbsp
Soak: 6-12 hours
Rinse: 2x per day
Harvest: 3” long in 5-6 days -
Radish sprouts are packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, and potassium, and high in antioxidants. Not only that, but they are also a good source of dietary fiber and have a unique, crisp and spicy taste, perfect to add a burst of flavor to your dishes. To use them, add to salads, sandwiches, wraps, or use them as a garnish. Radish sprouts are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many dishes. With its beautiful and vibrant color, it can also enhance the appearance of the dish. If you like spice, try them out!
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Mung Bean
Difficulty: Easy
Seed Qty: Up to 1 cup
Soak: 6-12 hours
Rinse: 2x per day
Harvest: 2-3 days for crunchy bean sprout with a small tail. 5-6 days in the dark for 3-4” long bean sprouts -
Growing mung bean sprouts can be easily added to your routine! They're packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, B-complex, potassium, phosphorus, and manganese. Not only that, but they are also a great source of dietary fiber and protein, which can aid in digestion and weight management. In 2-3 days they can be eaten with a small tail or grow them in the dark for 5-6 days to get 3-4” long sprouts. Mung bean sprouts have a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. They are often used as a fresh ingredient in salads, sandwiches, and Asian-inspired dishes.
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Garbanzo (Chickpea)
Difficulty: Easy
Seed Qty: Up to 1 cup
Soak: 6-12 hours
Rinse: 2x per day
Harvest: Small tail in 2-3 days -
Garbanzo bean sprouts, also known as chickpea sprouts, are incredibly nutritious and high in protein! They're packed with vitamin C and B-complex, as well as calcium, and potassium and are also a great source of dietary fiber, protein, and healthy carbohydrates, which can aid in digestion, weight management and energy needs. They can be added to salads or wraps and can also be blended with tahini to make a flavorful raw hummus dip. They have a nutty and refreshing taste and are usually used in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine.
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Green Peas
Difficulty: Easy
Seed Qty: Up to 1 cup
Soak: 6-12 hours
Rinse: 2x per day
Harvest: 1” tail in 2-3 days -
Pea sprouts have a flavor that you don't want to miss out on! They are full of vitamin C, B-complex, iron and potassium. They are also a great addition for weight management and digestion thanks to the dietary fiber and protein they contain. What's more, the antioxidants in pea sprouts can help to reduce the risk of certain diseases. Not only are they packed with nutrition, but they're also incredibly easy to grow, and are ready by the third day of sprouting. Mix them up in your salads, sandwiches, and wraps for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor. With pea sprouts there are so many possibilities!
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Lentils
Difficulty: Easy
Seed Qty: Up to 1/2 cup
Soak: 6-12 hours
Rinse: 2x per day
Harvest: 1” tail in 2-3 days -
Lentil sprouts are a nutritious food that is packed with a variety of health benefits. One of the main benefits of lentil sprouts is that they are high in protein. They are also rich in fiber, which can help support healthy digestion and promote feelings of fullness. Lentil sprouts have a subtle, nutty flavor with a slightly sweet and earthy taste. Lentil sprouts are often eaten raw and can be added to salads, sandwiches, and wraps. Overall, lentil sprouts are a nutritious and versatile food that can be easily incorporated into a variety of meals and snacks, making them a great addition to any diet.
Getting set up
Seeds: You can sprout a wide variety of plants from seeds, nuts, legumes, beans and grains. Whatever variety or mix you choose, always opt for high-quality seeds that are specifically cultivated for sprouting. We recommend organic, certified pathogen-free seeds.
Water: Use good quality water – as a general rule, if you can drink it, it’s good for your sprouts, too. Aim for a cool temperature. Warm water will cause the sprouts to wilt, while water that’s too cold can prevent seeds from germinating or growing.
Equipment: Your sprouts need a place to grow, like the Forages Sprout Jar Kit. Great for beginners and advanced sprouters alike, the kit contains a clear jar, easy-draining lid, a stand that allows for airflow and a bowl that catches excess water.
Space: Sprouting works best when it’s done away from direct sunlight, but still in the open so your sprouts can receive good airflow.
That’s it! Because all the nutrients are encased in the seed itself, you don’t need soil or sunlight to grow healthy sprouts.
Step-by-step sprouting
We’ll cover the step-by-step basics in detail, but make sure to check your seed packaging for specific instructions.
Soak and drain
1. Remove the lid and invert your jar so the mouth is facing up. Measure your seeds and place them inside.
2. Pour cool water into the jar, enough to cover the seeds as they swell up in size. If you aren’t sure how much water to add, the general rule is a 3:1 ratio of water to seeds. Swirl to make sure all seeds are wet.
3. Screw the lid onto the jar and press the stand on top of it, making sure they’re tightly pressed together. Leave the jar on your countertop for the amount of time listed for your seeds.
4. Once your seeds have finished soaking, gently tip the jar over a sink to drain the water out. Avoid turning the kit upside down to prevent smaller seeds from falling through the small gaps in the lid.
5. Without removing the lid, add more fresh, cool water to the jar. Swirl it around, and drain it once more at a gentle angle. Turning the jar as you drain will help spread the seeds along the sides of the glass for better growth.
6. After draining, place your sprout jar lid-down into the bowl, so seeds can continue draining if any water is left inside. Set the etched day tracker in the stand as a reminder of when you’ll need to harvest.
7. Store it on your countertop or in a spot where you won’t forget it. Sprouts do not require sunlight, but they do need airflow.
Rinse and repeat
8. Most sprouts need to be rinsed twice a day with fresh, cool water. Simply run water through the lid and swirl it around. This helps loosen the seeds.
9. Drain the water at a gentle angle. Shake gently to help keep seeds from clumping and to get rid of as much water as possible. Discard any standing water in the bowl as well before putting the jar back into position.
10. Continue rinsing until sprouts are ready – usually within a few days, or until they reach your desired length. Generally, sprouts are ready to be harvested when you start to see tiny leaves forming and splitting.
Harvest and store
11. Rinse your sprouts one final time, adding water through the lid, swirling it around and draining it into your sink. If you choose, pull off the stand and keep the lid on the jar when you rinse and drain to let hulls and unsprouted seeds fall through.
12. You can store sprouts for up to a week in the refrigerator:
· In your sprouting jar with an airtight lid attached
· In another airtight container
· In a sealable plastic bag
Enjoy
13. Check your sprouts for mold before eating. If your sprouts look or smell rotten or moldy, do not consume them.
14. Get creative – sprouts are great additions to sandwiches, wraps, salads, smoothies, and more.
Cleaning and care
All parts of the Forages Sprout Jar Kit are easily cleaned in the dishwasher. Make sure to take the jar, lid, gasket, stand and bowl apart before washing.
We’ve also designed every part of the kit to withstand heat-based sterilization methods.
To prevent cracks or breaks, let the glass jar cool off after sterilization before adding colder water.
Safety precautions
Sprouts are a raw food product, meaning it’s important to follow proper food handling procedures to prevent bacterial growth or mold. Sprouts may not be for everyone. Check with your doctor or nutritionist to see if sprouts are right for you.
â—Ź Always make sure the jar, lid, stand and bowl are cleaned and sterilized before each use, including your first use.
â—Ź Always wash your hands before touching seeds or sprouts.
● Make sure your work area is clean while you’re handling your sprouts and any sprouting equipment.
● Rinse with clean water that’s safe to drink.
â—Ź Use seeds that are certified pathogen-free. You can sterilize seeds yourself as well. Never use seeds that are meant for planting in a garden as they are not typically prepared for consumption as a sprout.
â—Ź Make sure seeds are not clumped together in the jar. To help prevent mold and bacterial growth, they should be spread out along the inner walls.
â—Ź Check your sprouts for mold or rot before you eat them.
Sprout something wild
Get your all-in-one Sprout Jar Kit and experience how easy, clean and delicious sprouting can be.
One Jar. Many Possibilities.
