How to Grow Sprouts In A Mason Jar

Sprouts cost only pennies to make if you already have a few Mason jars laying around. If you don't, an old mayonnaise jar will work just as well. Have you SEEN how much these things cost in the grocery store?!

Well, I'm off to sprout now......

(hummmm....do I want my sprouts in a salad or in a sandwich? Decisions, decisions, I can't take the pressure anymore **taking a deep breath** relaxy PattyAnn, you have six days to decide).

Credit To:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2310349_grow-sprouts-.html

Things You'll Need:

• A quart-size mason jar (or any glass jar)
• A plastic sprouting cap with a mesh screen
• or
• Cheesecloth and a rubber band
• Two tablespoons of alfalfa seeds (certified organic)

Preparing for the Growth Process

1. Step 1

   

   Certified Organic Alfalfa Seeds

   Place approximately two tablespoons of alfalfa seeds into the bottom of a clean, quart-size mason jar. This is going to produce about two cups of sprouts.

2. Step 2

   Fill the jar with about two to three inches of water.

3. Step 3

   

   Alfalfa Seeds Soaking 8 Hours in Mason Jar, Covered with Cheesecloth

   Screw on the strainer cap if you have one. If you don't have a plastic strainer cap cut a square of cheesecloth wider than the mouth of the jar. Place this piece of cheesecloth over the mouth of the jar and secure it onto the mouth with a rubber band.This cheesecloth will strain the water from the seeds. Eventually, you may want to purchase a strainer cap, which is easier to use. Strainer caps are made to fit mason jars only.

4. Step 4

   Place the jar of alfalfa seeds and water in your kitchen, in a dark place at room temperature (about 70 degrees) and let it soak for about eight hours. We'll bring it out to the light later.

5. Step 5

   

   Sprouting Lid For Mason Jars

   After eight hours, drain the water (through the strainer) from your jar. This is the only time you will have to soak your seeds for eight hours. Add more fresh water to the seeds in your jar. This can be done through the strainer or cheesecloth. Swirl the water around the seeds and drain it again through the strainer or cheese cloth.

6. Step 6

   Place the drained jar of wet seeds upside down, tipping at a 45 degree angle. You can prop it up against a corner of a wall. Let it sit on a dish or tray to catch the liquid. In this way excess water can still drain out while the seeds remain moist, but not wet.

   Growing Your Sprouts

7. Step 1

   Two to three times each day, rinse your seeds with water and drain it as you did before. Drain it well--you don't want the seeds to be too wet or sitting in water--you just want them moist.

8. Step 2

   On the second day you will notice that the alfalfa seeds have already started to sprout. Keep rinsing your seeds as before, two to three times each day.

9. Step 3

   When your alfalfa sprouts are about one to one and a half inches long, (which may be on day four or day five) move the jar to a place in your kitchen where it can get indirect sunlight for about five hours. This will turn the brown-looking leaves a beautiful deep green and raise the vitamin content of the sprouts, especially vitamin A.

10. Step 4

    

    Mason Jar Filled with Alfalfa Sprouts after 4 to 5 Days

    After five hours of indirect sunlight, return them to their previous spot and continue your rinsing and draining of the sprouts with water as before; moving them back to indirect sunlight if necessary.

11. Step 5

    When your sprouts are nice and dark green, rinse them well and place them in a sealed container (preferable a see-through plastic container) with room for excess moisture to drain. Store your sprouts in the refrigerator. They are now ready to eat!Your fresh, homegrown alfalfa sprouts can now be used in many delicious ways.

How to Grow Sprouts | eHow.com