VT CHALLENGE: Sprouts, They Grow Up So Quick
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February 23, 2009
For our March issue, Mary Margaret Chappell, VTs Food Editor, embarked upon a sprouting journey, that in a mere six days, enlightened and rewarded her. Not only did she see how easy it is to grow sprouts, but she also had the pleasure of dining on her accomplishments. Now Im intriguedI have to see for myself.
Day 1: I bike over to my local coop and purchase some red clover seeds in the bulk bin, as well as a pack of cheesecloth to use as a breathable lid. (I also buy a bag of 5 Part Salad Mix Sprouting Seeds on a rack by the produce, in case I actually get hooked on sprouting.) Later, I recycle a cleaned out jar of sauerkraut to be my sprouts home and soak the seeds in water overnight.
Day 2: I drain the water from the seeds. Pour more water to rinse, and then drain again. Lastly, I cover the jar with a small piece of cheesecloth, which I secure with a rubber band.
Day 3: Its Monday, which means Im off to work for nine hours, but no worries, because all my sprouts need are a quick watering and drain. I do this just before I leave in the morning, and when I get home at night. Come evening, there are little white ends sprouting up everywhere.
Day 4: Another day of easy rinsing and draining. My two minutes per day are paying offthe sprouts are getting bigger!!!
Day 5: By Wednesday, my sprouts start bunching. Wetting and draining becomes easier because theyre sticking to each other rather than the jar.
Day 6: My sprouts look just like they do when you buy them at the store, but better, because I grew them.
Guess what Im having on my salad today?
Gabrielle Harradine, Assistant Editor
P.S. Share your own sprouting experiences and wisdom below!