HOW TO GROW NATURE'S HEALTH FOOD
INTRODUCTION,
Nature's fast food is full of nutrition, so why not grow your own edible sprouts. Seeds which are eaten pass through the body and are most often not digested. Sprouting seeds have become very popular. When the seeds have sprouted the vitamins and minerals within the seed are increased and these young plants are fresh and free from all the toxic sprays. You can grow your own sprouts in just a few days and savour the refreshing sprouts you have ever experienced. Sprouts are full of vitamins as well as minerals, amino acids, protein and fibre. They will grow quickly and are a scrumptious addition to salads, sandwiches or put into stir fries.
PREPARATION USING A JAR
1/ First select a good sized jar about 9cm diameter and 13-14cm high and some gauze to fasten over the top so the sprouts can breath.
2/ Then deposit 1-2 table spoons of seed into the jar and then pour in enough clean water to soak the seed in for 3-4 hours. Next drain away the water. Cover the top with the gauze and secure with an elastic band.
3/ Rest the jar on its side so that the excess moisture can drain out. Be sure to place the jar out of direct sunlight. The best ideal temperature for successful sprouting is around 18- 22deg.C.
4/ Rinse the sprouts morning and night with clean fresh tepid water (Read and follow the directions on each packet of seed).
5/ Gently move the jar around from time to time to help separate the sprouts from tangling with each other.
6/ They can usually be harvested in 4 to 7 days depending on the type of sprouts. Always rinse briefly before serving, just as you would with other vegetables.
7/ The sprouts will store well in the refrigerator fo up to 2-3 days but not any longer.
8/ Wash the jar with clean warm water before starting your next crop.
SPROUTS ALIVE
We all want to eat healthy, so why not grow some of these as sprouts. These seed can be sown all year round.
ALFALFA SPROUTS Alfalfa would be the most nutritious of all seeds. They are an all year round garnish and are sweet with a fresh nutty flavour and a delicate crunchy texture. The sprouts from the seed may be eaten in many ways; Sandwiches, salads, and in soups etc.
Alfalfa contains many important enzymes, minerals, proteins and organic vitamins and are high anti-oxidant properties. Alfalfa also assists in digestion, weight control and counteracts fatigue toxins and acidity.
FENUGREEK You can enjoy the freshest sprouts you have ever tasted because they can be grown in the kitchen. Fenugreek is sweet, refreshing and spicy flavoured with a delicate crunchy texture. Leave the sprouts to grow larger and they will have a pungent flavour. The sprouts produce attractive year-round garnish and toppings for snacks and salads and sandwiches.
SANDWICH SPROUTS contain alfalfa, radish and broccoli seed. These when sprouted are high in vitamins, C, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12. They can be harvest in a week.
Sandwich sprouts are healthy, tasty and crunchy blend, bringing a special nutty and tangy flavour to sandwiches. The mix will enhance your sandwich with taste and enjoyment as a filling.
MIXED SALAD SPROUTS packet contains, Adzuki beans, mung beans, lentils, and fenugreek. A rich source of protein. This healthy, colourful blend provides a variety of delicious flavours and textures, together with a rich source of essential vitamins, protein, minerals and trace
minerals.
THE STIR-FRY SPROUTS These contain, mung beans, chick peas and soya beans.
Do not cook the sprouts, add to the stir-fry just before serving time for maximum tast and goodness.
******************************
GROWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THESE SEED LISTED BELOW
Use a small shallow seed tray or punnet with drainage holes and stand on a tray or plate. Place approx. 2.5 cm of dampened seed raising mix in the bottom and sprinkle seed evenly on the surface. Cover with a fine layer of seed raising mix. Place the container on a well lit windowsill but keep out of direct sunlight.
HARVESTING
When the sprouts are 5-7 cm tall and the first true leaves appear (approx. 10-14 days), cut with scissors just above the seed raising mix.
CRESS These sprouts are quick and easy to grow and they make attractive year-round garnish and toppings for salads and snacks. Cress is probably one of the effortless of all to grow and they contain vitamins a, b, complex c.
MUSTARD The sprouts create attractive year-round garnish and toppings for snacks and salads.
Mustard is very easy to grow and to crop at the same time as cress, so sow four days later. The tiny spice leaves will spice up your salads.
SNOW PEAS These sprouts are quick and easy to grow and they make attractive year-round garnish and toppings for salads, snacks or stir-fries. When grown as sprouts they give a good source of Calcium and niacin. The delicate lush green Snow Pea shoots are traditionally used in Asian cuisine as a garnis, but are ideal for many other uses.
******************************
A selection of Marlene's RECIPES for cooking your home grown vegetables.
******************************
