How to Sprout Grains for Better Health

Sprouting is far easier than you think. With as little as five components needed, you might wonder how you ever bothered purchasing sprouts in the market before. The benefit of sprouting gives you a great way to enjoy fresh, high quality produce throughout the year. You can read everything you need to know about the benefits of sprouted grains here.

It requires surprisingly little effort, and it takes up very little space in the kitchen. Any whole or unbroken seed can be sprouted, and after trying a variety you will quickly land on your favorite type.

Getting Started

While there is more than one method used to sprout, we have found the one we feel is worth sharing. To start you’ll need:

  • Wide mouth glass jar
  • A screened lid
  • Room temp water
  • 1/4 cup grain/seed/beans like chickpeas, barley, or lentils
  • Strainer

Day 1

Using this method, you’ll want to start off by pouring the seeds into your glass wide mouth jar. Follow this step by adding double amount in water as there are seeds. Cover your jar with a cloth and place in a mild temperature room to soak for 12 hours.

Day 2

Using a strainer, pour the water and seeds out. Rinse thoroughly. (If your water has changed color during the initial soak, this is normal) After the rinse is complete, add your seeds back into the jar. Cover with screened lid and tilt jar upside down at a slight angle.

(NOTE: You want your jar to be securely placed upside down at an angle so that the residual water can drain. The most common mistake people make in sprouting seeds is not draining them adequately which results in rot.)

Day 3

By now you should see signs of sprouting or already have early stages of sprouts. Without removing the screen, pour water into your jar covering the seeds with water. With the seeds still in the water, swirl the jar in a circular motion several times making sure the seeds are thoroughly rinsed. Again, with screened lid still on, drain all excess water out. Place drained jar securely upside down at an angle once again. Repeat this step 2x a day or every 12 hours.

(NOTE: as you will be repeating this rinsing and draining step 2x a day for 3-5 days, the drained water can be used to water your indoor plants.)

Day 4-5

The following days you will continue by repeating the steps on day 3. By day 5 most seeds will be fully or significantly sprouted. Your sprouts will likely have filled the jar by now. You can decide to enjoy them now or continue the process to your desired length.

Enjoy your brand new homegrown produce for breakfast, snack, lunch or dinner. Sprouts are wonderful added to eggs, breads and muffins, salads and grain dishes. If you’re not sure where to start, the ever classic sprouts on a sandwich is always a delicious choice. Sprouts are not only delicious, but are living foods with an increase in vitamin content and enzymes providing health and a full stomach.

About Megan Boehm


Megan is an entrepreneur and writer living in Tennessee. Her research in sustainability and organic foods has influenced her lifestyle and led her to pursue her own sourdough bread business. As a mother and business-owner, Megan is always looking to educate readers on healthy and sustainable living.

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