RE: Growing and feeding sprouts

Monica — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 09:49:20 GMT

I've got 1 pint jars with mesh lids (1 wire mesh lid, 4 plastic mesh lids). I put the sprouts in, rinse until water runs clear, then allow them to soak for 8-24 hours (there are two different sprout mixes that I have). Then, after soaking, I rinse again until the water runs clear. I rinse the sprouts 3 times a day, in the morning, at noon, and again at night. Right after rinsing and letting it to drain most of the water out, I set the jar on it's side in a semi-dark area (although I have placed them in front of windows, too). By the third day they are sprouted quite a bit.

RE: Growing and feeding sprouts

ickybird — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 06:18:03 GMT

Well, Pepper's Pa, you have had much more success that i have with sprouting. I used to try it about 30 yrs ago and then 20 and 10 and maybe I should start again. each time in the past, they got sort of yucky or I let them get dried out. I am sure the sprouter ( not the old canning jar I was told to use in my more serious back to the earth days) and the grape seed helped save you from my fate.
I'll give it another go. I like sprouts and my husband does and the dog does, so I am sure at least one of my birds will.

Growing and feeding sprouts

Pepper's Pa — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:14:30 GMT

In a recent post, I stated how after thinking about it long enough I was going to order a sprouter. Here are my initial experiences with sprouting.
I ordered the Middle Size Bird Mix Sprout Kit from the Sprout People (http://www.sproutpeople.com/seed/kit/birdkit.html). Delivered to me the sprouter and two-pounds of seed was just over $33.00. The entire process has been quick, easy and best of all, Pepper’s eating the sprouts and seems to enjoy them.
The sprouter is a cup of about 1 quart in size. Fitted inside this cup is a slightly smaller cup, with its entire bottom slotted to drip water . There is a flat top with holes in it for ventilation. When in use, the inner cup is positioned and held slightly higher than the outer cup, so any water on the seeds will drip away and there is proper ventilation. Here’s the cup as I’ve described it:

I started the process by washing all the sprouter parts. I then measured 1/2 cup of the sprouting mix. I poured these seeds into the inner cup and rinsed them with cold water. Then I placed the inner cup into the outer cup and filled the cup with cold water. I put the vented top on the cups and let the seeds soak for 12 hours. After the soaking I rinsed the seeds, drained them well and took a look at the seeds. Here’s an image from after the 12-hour soaking:

In the above image you can see that some of the seeds have already germinated (broken open and begun to grow). By what I’ve researched, just after germination the seeds are at their nutritional peak. Numerous sources said that this is the best time to feed the seeds. For the sake of experimenting, I wanted to continue the process.
After 12 more hours of dry growth, I rinsed and drained the seeds and observed more germination of seeds and increased growth. There was a great smell coming from the seeds at this time. It was very earthy, nutty and appetite stimulating. Yes, I tried some of these great smelling, germinating seeds. Some I liked, others smelled better than they tasted to me. Here’s an image of the seeds:

After another rinsing and 12 hours of dry growth, I observed this:

After the final rinsing and 12 hours of dry growth, I observed this:

Now I’m letting the seeds dry for 12 hours, then I’ll remove them from the sprouter and store them in the refrigerator for a few days while they’re used up.

What did I learn about this process? It’s simple, easy and quick. In the future I’ll only sprout for 36 hours, then refrigerate the germinated seeds. Each step took me about five minutes or a total of twenty-five minutes spread over three days. Most of the time is trying to shake as much water off the seeds as possible. I added one step to my process that wasn’t in the directions (though I did read it on several web sites on sprouting). To attempt to prevent any possible problems with mold or bacteria, I added GSE (Grape Seed Extract) to the initial soak and each rinse’s water.

I look forward to seeing how the sprouts store in the refrigerator and if Pepper will continue to eat them. I’ve been giving him a heaping teaspoon each morning and evening with his other fresh and prepared foods.

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RE: Growing and feeding sprouts

RE: Growing and feeding sprouts

Growing and feeding sprouts