Written by Barbara Pleasant
Winter can feel endless, but growing fresh, crunchy alfalfa sprouts at home can add a burst of life to your meals. These nutrient-rich sprouts are ready to enjoy in just 5–6 days and can be used in salads, sandwiches, or as toppings for winter soups. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also cost-effective—one small container of organic alfalfa sprouts costs about the same as a season’s supply of sprouting seeds.
Why Grow Alfalfa Sprouts?
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is typically grown as a forage crop for producing nutritious hay for livestock. This hardy perennial legume is known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it valuable for agricultural purposes. When sprouted, alfalfa seeds provide a wealth of health benefits:
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with Vitamin K, fiber, and other essential nutrients.
- Fresh and Crunchy: Adds texture and flavor to a variety of dishes.
- Cost-Effective: Growing your own sprouts saves money over store-bought options.
Are Alfalfa Sprouts Safe to Eat?
Safety concerns around alfalfa sprouts often stem from the risk of bacterial contamination, such as salmonella or E. coli. However, growing your own organic sprouts can greatly minimize these risks.
- Certified Organic Seeds: Organic seeds are grown in controlled conditions, reducing exposure to harmful pathogens.
- Proper Temperatures: Sprout seeds in a cool environment (below 75°F or 24°C) to inhibit unwanted microbial growth.
- Sanitation Options: For extra precaution, soak seeds in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for five minutes before sprouting.
When grown properly at home, organic alfalfa sprouts are both safe and delicious.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Alfalfa Sprouts
What You’ll Need
- 1 heaping tablespoon of alfalfa seeds
- A clean glass jar
- Lightweight cloth and a rubber band (or a sprouting lid)
Day 1: Prepping the Seeds
- Place seeds in a metal strainer and gently rub them to remove debris and improve water absorption.
- If desired, sanitize seeds in a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution for five minutes, then rinse with cool water.
- Transfer seeds to a glass jar and cover them with cool water. Let soak for several
- hours or overnight.
Days 2–3: Sprouting Begins
- Twice daily, rinse the seeds with cool water and gently swish them in the jar to aerate.
- Drain thoroughly and keep the jar in a cool, shaded area to prevent overheating.
Days 4–5: Growth Spurt
- Continue rinsing and draining twice daily.
- If sprouts begin to clump, separate them by soaking in a bowl of cold water and dividing into separate jars for more room.
Days 5–6: Ready to Enjoy
- By day 5 or 6, sprouts will have doubled in size. Rinse one final time, drain well, and transfer to the refrigerator.
- Proper storage in a cool environment keeps sprouts crisp and fresh for up to a week. Dispose of any sprouts with brown tips in the compost.
Pro Tips for a Productive Sprouting Season
- Start with fresh seeds each season for higher germination rates.
- Experiment with other sprouting seeds like mung beans for variety in texture and flavor.
- Avoid direct sunlight during the sprouting process to maintain ideal growing conditions.
Growing alfalfa sprouts at home is an easy, rewarding way to add fresh, nutrient-dense food to your diet while saving money. Once you taste the difference of homegrown sprouts, you’ll be hooked!