There’s nothing more satisfying than a DIY job. Lately, we’ve been sprouting our own alfalfa seeds, and it’s amazing to watch them turn from seeds to sprouts in front of our eyes. It’s easy, too - we’ll show you how!
Before we do that (and because we can’t resist), let’s talk about the health benefits of alfalfa. The stringy sprout is a nutrient powerhouse, and packed with protein, calcium, carotene, iron, magnesium, chlorophyll, potassium, zinc and fibre, as well as vitamins A, B2, B3, C and D. Pretty impressive, right?
A step-by-step guide to sprouting Alfalfa
What you’ll need:
- 1 mesh cloth or netting sleeve
- 1 mason jar
- 1 elastic band
Instructions:
- Put 1.5 tbsp of alfalfa seeds into a mason jar. We love the A.Vogel BioSnacky Alfalfa Sprouting Seeds. They’re organic, completely natural (no GMOs here!), and have that deliciously yet mildly nutty taste alfalfa is known for.
- Place the mesh cloth over the opening of the mason jar. Secure with the elastic band.
- Fill the jar ¼ of the way up with water.
- Swirl the seeds around to rinse thoroughly.
- Drain water from the jar.
- Refill the jar ¼ of the way up with water.
- Let the alfalfa seeds soak for 4 hours. Leave them in a room-temperature (and preferably dark) environment.
- After soaking, drain the water.
- Repeat step 3 and rinse alfalfa seeds every day until they are fully sprouted and ready to eat. This takes an average of 6-8 days.
- Once mature, enjoy immediately or store in the fridge in a glass container or freezer bag. Your sprouts will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
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How to use alfalfa sprouts
Along with packing a nutritional punch, alfalfa sprouts add texture, flavour and crunch to just about any dish. Here are just some of the ways you can use alfalfa sprouts:
Add to sandwiches
Throw in some greens, grated veggies and a source of protein, and you’re set for lunch!
Toss into stir-fries
Wait until the stir-fry is just about done before doing so – if you cook the sprouts for more than 30 seconds, they’ll start to wilt.
Add to soups, stews and curries
The same rule applies here – cook the dish completely, and then reduce the heat to simmer before tossing in the sprouts.
Use to make rice paper rolls
Aim to create the most colourful rice paper rolls possible, with the help of alfalfa sprouts, sliced carrots, cucumber, corn and tuna or shredded chicken. Wrap the mix in individual rice papers and steam.
Sprinkle on pizza
Finish off your pizza with a sprinkling of sprouts.
Toast them
If you like your sprouts extra crunchy, spread them over a tray and place them in the over for two minutes. Take them out when golden, and toss into your salads and roast veggies.
How do you like to eat alfalfa? Have you tried sprouting your own seeds before? Let us know in the comments below!