So, I get this little double decker plastic container for Christmas - which says something about sprouts on the side of the box and I think "oh what a cute little bean sprout holder."

Wrong.

It was actually a container to MAKE sprouts.   burpee seed sprouter

"Who MAKES sprouts??!!". They come in a can? Right? Or in the veggie section at the grocery store?

Well apparently a lot of people make sprouts and for a whole lot of reasons. They are inexpensive, easy to make, nutritious and there's a huge variety for starters.

And, I found out - you don't need a cute little double decker container like the one I received (sorry Uncle Mike) just a mixing bowl or even a tall mason jar will work just as well.

You place a layer of beans (like a double layer) at the bottom of the bowl. Pour warm water (not to be confused with hot - we're not cooking them) over the beans about an inch or so.

Cover the bowl with a layer of cheese cloth or if you are like me and haven't a clue what cheese cloth is, some netting (or a piece cut off of that cheap pair of pantyhose you bought in an emergency- washed of course.). Keep in mind the beans need to breath and you need to be able to pour the water in and out through the top). 

For the mason jar you can use that plastic mesh used for cross stitching. Just cut a piece to fit inside the lid of the jar.

Now fastened your topping of choice with a big rubber band or something to secure it around the edge of the bowl.

Let the bowl of beans sit overnight to absorb most of the water. In the morning they will look like how we feel during that time of the month -  bloated to about twice their normal size. 

Drain the beans (keeping the cover on) and then rinse them to keep them moist.

Twice a day, you will need to fill the bowl with water and drain it completely to avoid the growth of mold (ewww), making sure the beans stay moist.

Sprouting bean is not what I would call a fast process. In fact its much like watching your neighbor's cat. . You will need to continue checking on them twice a day and repeat the process for three or four days until the sprouts are tender and have grown to the desired size.

beansI've learned there are several good choices for sprouts: beans, seeds and wheats, such as mustard seeds, wheat berries (whole wheat kernels) pinto beans, adzuki beans, small red beans, mung beans, peas, lentils, and any small red or white kidney beans, alfalfa seeds, oats, sunflower seeds or garbanzo (chick peas) beans, to name just a few. 

See? Tons of varieties AND  tastes!

These beans/seeds/grains are high in essential nutrients like vitamins A, B, C and E, calcium, iron, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, all the essential amino acids and protein.

Which leads us to the main reason you would want to learn to make sprouts - they are the perfect survival food!

Just sayin'.

- Survivor Jane

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