How to Plant Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli sprouts are a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. They are packed with nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and sulforaphane, which has been linked to cancer prevention. Growing broccoli sprouts at home is easy and can save you money compared to buying them pre-packaged. In this article, we will go over how to plant broccoli sprouts so you can enjoy these tasty sprouts at home.

Materials Needed

To plant broccoli sprouts, you will need the following materials:

- Broccoli seeds

- A sprouting jar, a quart-sized Mason jar works well

- A sprouting lid or cheesecloth

- Water

Instructions

1. Rinse and soak the seeds.

Measure out 2 tablespoons of broccoli seeds and rinse them in a fine-mesh strainer. Place the seeds in a sprouting jar, and add enough water to cover the seeds by about an inch. Soak the seeds for 6 to 8 hours.

2. Drain the water.

After the seeds are soaked, drain the water from the sprouting jar. Rinse them again with fresh water, and drain the water again.

3. Place the jar at an angle.

Place the jar on its side, at an angle, so any remaining water drains out. You can prop the jar up against something to keep it at an angle. Make sure the jar is out of direct sunlight.

4. Rinse and drain the jar twice a day.

Rinse the seeds with fresh water, and drain any excess water twice a day. You can do this in the morning and evening, for example. Be sure to return the jar to its angled position so any remaining water can drain out.

5. Watch for the sprouts to grow.

After a few days, you will start to see tiny broccoli sprouts emerging from the seeds. Continue to rinse and drain the jar twice a day until the sprouts are the desired size, usually around 5 to 7 days.

6. Harvest the sprouts.

When the sprouts are the desired size, you can harvest them by draining the water and removing the sprouts from the jar. Rinse them again with fresh water, and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure successful broccoli sprout planting:

- Use organic seeds, if possible.

- Keep the sprouting jar out of direct sunlight.

- Be sure to rinse and drain the sprouts twice a day to prevent mold or bacteria growth.

- If you see any mold or bacteria growth, discard the entire batch and start over.

- Store the sprouts in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

Conclusion

Growing broccoli sprouts at home is an easy and healthy way to add some extra nutrition to your meals. With just a few materials and some patience, you can have fresh sprouts in as little as a week. Try adding broccoli sprouts to salads, sandwiches, or smoothies, and enjoy the many health benefits they provide.