SPROUTS

[Aloha Don]

I started sprouting over a year ago in an attempt to eat healthier. Sprouting is what led me to HP then AP.
Sprouts are more nutritious and tastier than grown veggies and they provide more nutrition also.
Sprouting has been around for a very long time. Sailors used sprouts to help with their scurvy (lack of vitamin C)
I mainly sprout broccoli because of its taste and health benefits. Broccoli sprouts are rich in fiber, enzymes and nutrients, including B vitamins, folic acid and vitamin C. These sprouts also contain 10-100 times the amount of potent anti-carcinogens than mature broccoli. This allow the body to boost ints own ability to fight and protect itself against cancer cells. Broccoli also helps protect your skin from ultraviolet radiation that damages the skin and can lead to skin cancer. The enzymes found in broccoli sprouts help the stomach fight the bacteria that cause stomach problems. Eating broccoli sprouts regularly might help reduce or prevent stomach ulcers and other gastric problems, including stomach cancer.
All of these problems stated above run in my family so I am trying to stop the cycle.
This little sprout is amazing!

I also sprout Alfalfa and radish. Makes for tasty samiches

[Aloha Don]

Sprouting is EXTREMELY simple. For the broccoli, alfalfa and radish seeds - It only takes 4-5 days.
My little girl will eat sprouts every once in a while but I am the main consumer.
I use a 16 ounce wide-mouth mason jar for my sprouts.
I took the metal lid off and replaced it with a clean screen to allow water drainage and air
I place 2 teaspoons of seeds into the jar on Monday morning and fill up the jar with warm water and allow the seeds to soak for about 6-8 hours.
Then, I drain the water and place on a paper towel at an angle to allow the rest of the water to drain.
I give the seeds a thorough rinse 2-3 times a day for 5 days.
On the 5th day I place in the sun only to allow them to green up a little. (not really needed but it is my preference)
On the 5th day, I dump the sprouts into a bowl and rinse and separate the sprouts. This also allows me to wash the husks away. Make sure you dry them real good before placing in bag or tupperware bowls that go into fridge.
Water will cause the sprouts to rot faster. My sprouts only stay in the fridge for a week or two at the most before I eat them.

[Aloha Don]

16 oz mason jar


modified lid with screen for water drainage and air


4 day old broccoli sprouts. I could eat them now but I let them grow one more day

[Aloha Don]

I have been visiting the local farmers markets around Honolulu and I have noticed that NO ONE is out there selling sprouts.
We have a few supermarkets that sale healthy products and they are selling sprouts in small 3 oz bags for $5-$6....
Sooooo......I am building a self contained sprouter inside a 27 gallon tub. I ordered some misters from Amazon and am building a 3 tray setup to go inside the tub. One for each seed (broccoli, alfalfa and radish) they have the same growth rate.
My plan is to have the misters on a timer (on 15 minutes ever 4- 5 hours. The trays will be lined with burlap and I will place seeds on this to grow, harvest and sell. I was thinking of having the run-off go into a bucket set up with a switch that will allow me top off my fish tank automatically.
I will post pics of this project when I get my material...."its in the mail"....

[eddiemigue]

Look forward to seeing updates of your progress and thanks for sharing those details of the health benefits of sprouts.

I started during sprouting last year, first in a jar and then in a multi-layer spring container. It's a breeze and works liked a charm as long as heart isn't excessive. I agree that they add an excellent taste and texture to sandwiches, and they're not too bad in salads either.

[Aloha Don]

first in a jar and then in a multi-layer spring container.

Please show/describe to me this container
Thank you

[eddiemigue]

Here you go
http://www.johnnyseeds.com/p-7616-biose ... r-kit.aspx

[Roger L.]

Never thought of doing that but I do love bean sprouts in my chicken fried rice.

[JCO]

Check out:-

http://www.fodderfeed.org/

http://www.peakprosperity.com/blog/g...d-fodder/72618

I realize this is a bit large for your own use, but it could be scaled down for local production for the farmers market.

[Aloha Don]

It always amazes me to look at various sites that offer "kits" (AP, HP, sprouting,etc.) for enormous amounts on money...
When I look at most of these kits, all it is are a few cheap tubs that you can pick up anywhere or buckets and PVC. They charge hundreds of dollars for minimal material costs...
We are in the wrong business....