When I learned how to grow sprouts in sprouting bags, I was in for a treat. When I grew broccoli sprouts in mason jars a year or two ago, I got used to the process and didn’t mind it. But shaking the jars for a few minutes, three times a day, sometimes got tiring. Eventually, because of some troubles that arose with my sprouts going bad, I got away from sprouting… until recently.
This time I am taking a different approach and am amazed at how easy it is!
How To Grow Sprouts in a Sprouting Bag
When researching about sprouting, I came across sprouting bags and decided to give them a try. I start my sprouts by soaking 4 tablespoons of sprouting seeds in my sprouting bag overnight in a bowl of water. The next morning, I pour out the water from the bowl, rinse off the bag, and soak it in fresh water for 30 seconds. Then, I pour out the water and hang the bag from a kitchen cabinet over the bowl to drip and grow. That’s it for most of the day!
In the evening, I soak my bag of seeds in a bowl for 30 seconds, like I did in the morning, and hang it back up to drip. It’s that easy! The seeds start to sprout in the bag within a day or so and continue to grow bigger each day as they hang in the bag. By soaking the bag, the seeds receive the water they need in order to grow.
Differences Between Varieties
I have grown broccoli and alfalfa sprouts in sprouting bags thus far, and both take 5-6 days to grow from the time I begin soaking my seeds until they are ready to eat. Alfalfa sprouts take up more volume, filling up the whole bag, while the broccoli sprouts fill about half the bag when it comes time to harvest. When the sprouts begin to turn green and the seed hulls start popping off, they are ready to harvest.
How To Harvest Sprouts
What about harvesting? I empty the sprouts into a big bowl and run water over them so that the seed hulls float to the top. Swirling the sprouts around in the bowl with my hand helps to separate more seed hulls, which can then be strained or scooped out. The hulls, while edible, are not as pleasant to eat, so I like to take many of them out. Lastly, I spread my sprouts on a towel to dry before bagging (with a paper towel to absorb moisture), marking the date, and refrigerating.
Eat Your Sprouts
We enjoy the sprouts harvest over the next few days while they remain fresh and nutritious! They make a great topping on salads or a healthy side with your meal. Our little kids love to snack on them as soon as I harvest them!
Happy Sprouting!
Sprouting in sprouting bags is easy and rewarding. Say goodbye to the little store-bought boxes of sprouts when you can enjoy the process, the extra nutrition and the monetary savings of growing your own with this super easy method! Let me know if you try this and how it works for you in the comments below.
Summary for How to Grow Sprouts in Sprouting Bags
- Day 1: Soak bag in bowl of water with 4 Tablespoons of sprouting seeds overnight.
- Day 2: Drain water from the bowl. Soak bag of seeds in fresh bowl of water for 30 seconds morning and evening. Hang up to drip and grow.
- Day 3 – Soak sprouting bag in bowl of water for 30 seconds morning and evening. Hang to drip and grow. The seeds should have sprouted by now and will continue to get bigger over the next couple of days.
- Day 4 – Soak bag morning and evening. Hang to drip and grow. As the sprouts get bigger, it may be necessary to use a bigger bowl for soaking.
- Day 5– Repeat soaking and hanging process.
- Day 6 – Harvest your sprouts. Instead of soaking them in the bag, take them out of the bag and transfer to a large bowl where you can rinse them with water and separate the seed hulls. Then spread sprouts out to dry before bagging and refrigerating.
Happy sprouting!
~Hannah
