Grow your own sprouts! I can't tell you how much joy I get from being able to eat something I grew from seed. It's hard when you live in a condo in the city to grow your own food, this is my small expression :-)  During the cold seasons, sprouts are an excellent source of fresh vegetables.

Not only are they rewarding to grow, sprouts represent the point of greatest vitality in the life cycle of plants.  During sprouting, vitamin & enzyme content increases dramatically.  At the same time, starch is converted into simple sugars, proteins are turned into amino acids & peptones, & crude fat is broken down into free fatty acids.  The sprouting process actually predigests the nutrients of the seed, making it easier to assimilate & metabolize. 

According to Oriental traditions, the sprouting process increases the cooling attributes of the seed, which can over-cool the cold person & weaken digestion in those with low 'digestive fire'. Generally, if one is frail, feels cold often &/or tends towards loose stools, then sprouts must be eaten sparingly.  Cooking makes sprouts more beneficial for these individuals.

How To Make Sprouts:

Use 1 part seed to 3 parts water.  Soak in a wide-mouth jar for 6-8 hours.  Half-gallon or large jars are more convenient.

*Cover the mouth of the jar with a plastic or stainless steel sprouting screen or cheesecloth, which is secured on with a rubber band. After soaking seeds, drain well & keep in warm, dark place.

*Rinse 2 times a day, ideally morning & evening. Keep jar mouth tilted down for better drainage. Thorough rinsing & complete draining improve sprout flavor.

*After 3 days place the sprouts in a cool place with indirect sunlight to induce chlorophyll. Continue rinsing twice daily until your sprouts are ready!

*To remove the loose hulls from the sprouts, place them in a large bowl of water & agitate them. , further loosening & brushing them aside.  Gently reach under the sprouts & lift out of the water, without disturbing sunken hulls, which can then be discarded.  Drain sprouts well.  If refrigerated, they keep up to one week in a plastic bag or covered glass jar.

Start your urban garden today!