Green thumb competition sprouts romantic teasing. In some areas, health foodies feel the time warp to the pre-living foods boom that brought alfalfa, clover and other sprouts to the neighborhood supermarket. My honey and I decided our only recourse would be growing our own. Sounded more like work than play before we visited the bulk foods store and spent like crazy for alfalfa, millet and mung beans.
The Materials
seeds; water; sealable sprouting containers like jars or boxes in glass, plastic or acrylic; tea strainer and cloth scraps
The Method
Place one teaspoon alfalfa seeds in sprouting container and cover with at least an inch or two of water. Let sit overnight to open the seed casing for germination. In the morning drain using the tea strainer or cloth scraps. Let the seeds drain for a few minutes and then place in the sprouting container and seal. Place in a warm spot or an area with natural light. I used the kitchen window in the sun. My honey chose the fireplace mantle in the living room. Rinse the seeds and then the sprouts each morning and evening.
The Competition
We took advantage of the variables. Separate containers. Sprouting location. How dry to keep the seeds. Cover options. Whether to add a dry cloth for a sprouting bed. Music genre to play. Gently rolled or shaken up. Talking to the plants. Up to a point science controls the outcome, then experience and art take over.
"You've grown a mass of unruly snakes."
Yes, mine looks like a luscious pile of tangled sprouts. My honey grew an orderly patch of white stems with bright green tips. I couldn't think of a good comeback line and chose to avoid a cliche like 'they all taste the same'.
The Benefits
What started as a little competition may turn into an all out foodie war, but the best part is both sides win. According to Dr. Gillian McKeith in Living Food for Health, sprouts provide plenty of antioxidant vitamins, enzymes, trace minerals, chlorophyll and fiber.
THE END
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