Growing Bean Sprouts at Home
Craving fresh, crunchy bean sprouts but tired of store-bought ones going bad too quickly? Growing bean sprouts at home is not only easy but also cost-effective! With just a few simple steps, you can have a steady supply of fresh sprouts right from your kitchen. Dive into our guide and discover how growing bean sprouts at home can save you money and ensure you always have the freshest sprouts on hand.
Beans Seeds That Works Well for Sprouting
While you can sprout almost any seeds and beans, the best ones for soups and stir-fries are mung beans and soybeans. It’s important to remember that as the seeds grow into sprouts, they will expand. So, only fill a quarter of the container with dried seeds. I used only a quarter cup of the seeds for 12 inches container. Additionally, make sure to wash, rinse, and soak the seeds overnight before you start the sprouting process.
Step 1: Wash and Soak the Seeds
Wash the mung bean seeds a few times, then soak them in room temperature water overnight or for up to 24 hours.
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Step 2: Spread and Water the Seeds
The container you use to sprout the seeds should have drainage holes. I used my steamer lined with a white cloth, but you can also use sprout tray kits. Spread the seeds to cover the surface, then water them. Be sure to discard any excess water to prevent mold and odors.
Step 3: Cover to Prevent Photo Synthesis
Cover the container with something dark yet breathable. I used a wooden lid and then a towel to ensure no light could enter the container. This is important because light causes photosynthesis, which makes the sprouts turn green and taste bitter. Leave the container in a dark place and water the seeds once or twice a day.
Step 4: Repeat and Harvest
Repeat the process, but don’t forget to discard the water and keep them away from the light. We’re aiming for sprouts, not leafy greens! Water and discard the excess water once to twice a day for 4-5 day. You will see some roots poking through the cloth. You can cut the roots that poked through the cloth then harvest.
Step 5: Store or Consume
If you want to use the sprouts in your cooking right away, cut the roots and wash them to remove the green shells. They are amazing in dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup Noodle, and Noodle Curry (Mee Ka Tee). However, if you want to store them for a few days, do not wash them yet. Pick out the shells, place the sprouts in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to three days. Make sure to wash the bean sprouts thoroughly before use. Cutting the roots will ensure that the sprout stops growing in the refrigerator too.
