It is near impossible to find fresh produce in Canada during the winter months and with this winter being the way it is we can use all the tips and help available. Most produce has traveled a long way before it makes it to our plates. A great way to ensure you are eating fresh produce with live enzymes and optimal nutrition is to add some fresh sprouts into your diet.

Sprouting can be a fun activity to do with your children as they grow quickly and children love to check on them each day. 

Where can I purchase seeds to sprout? There are companies that sell packages of seeds for sprouting, they can be found in most health food stores. As well, any organic seeds can be used for sprouting. Eg, quinoa, and chick peas are a couple of options. Your choices are endless.

Here are the general guidelines.

Jar Method

• Soak 3-8 hours - Place 1-4 TBSP seeds in a wide mouthed glass jar. Cover jar with screen or mesh and secure with rubber band. Add water, swirl and drain. Refill with water to cover the sprouts and soak seeds for 3-8 hours, over night works well. Drain water. Do not refill.
• Rinse twice a day - Rinse seeds by refilling jar with water and gently swirling. Drain water. Invert and prop jar at an angle in sink or bowl.
• Ready in 3-6 days - When the sprouts are starting to shoot out rinse one more time, and leave for another 8-12 hours to completely drain. They should be dry to touch. Then place in a mason jar or other glass container to keep in the fridge. Eat & enjoy!

 Colander Method~ this has become my favorite method.

• Soak 3-8 hours – Place 1-6 TBSP in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak seeds 3-8 hours, over night works well. Then drain in your colander, and rinse very well until the water runs clear. Drain, and then place on your plate to catch any water drippings and cover with a kitchen towel.
• Rinse twice a day – Run the colander under clean water twice a day making sure that you are rinsing all the seeds.
• Ready in 3-6 days – When the sprouts are starting to shoot out rinse one more time, and leave for another 8-12 hours to completely drain. They should be dry to touch. Then place in a mason jar or other glass container to keep in the fridge. Eat & enjoy!

Safety When Eating Raw Sprouts

It’s important when sprouting, even more so if you are consuming them raw, that you use common sense in using clean jars, being careful that the jars and sprouts aren’t contaminated. Never eat any sprouts that smell bad, or are slimy or moldy.

Information provided by: Shawna Smith Holistic Esthetician & Nutritionist