Growing lentil and bean sprouts in a jar is easy to do at home with a few basic tools and ingredients. Homegrown sprouts are a healthy and delicious way to enjoy eating beans and lentils. They make a great addition to salads, pastas and much more.
Put the lid on and let it sit in a cool dry place overnight or for at least 12 hours to soak in the water.
Day 1
Rinse the lentils or beans again with clean water and then drain off the excess water in a colander.
Return the lentils or beans to the jar. Cover the top of the jar with cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band.
Prop the jar at a 45 degree angle or such in the bowl. This angle will allow any additional water to drain from the container.
Place the jars in the bowls away from direct sunlight but in a warmish spot in your house. Cover with a towel for the first 48-72 hours for sweeter flavored sprouts.
Day 2-4
Rinse the legumes twice a day until they reach the desired state of sprouting you want. The amount of time they require will vary depending on the temperature in your home and the amount of indirect light they receive.
Harvest Sprouts
Once they reach growing 1 inch tails or however long you prefer, they are ready to harvest.
Rinse the lentils or beans and lay them out on a tray lined with a clean towel and let them sit for 1 hour to drain.
Store the harvested sprouts in a container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Use them in salads, sandwiches and other preparations.
Notes
Expert Tips for Growing Sprouts:Cover your jar of growing sprouts with a towel for the first 48 hours of sprouting for a slightly sweeter flavor.Keep the jar tilted in a bowl while growing sprouts. This allows any excess water inside the jar to drain out. The sprouts can mold if they are too wet.The time it takes to grow sprouts varies depending on the temperature in your house. You may find that in the summer they grow much more quickly than in the colder months.For a greener sprout, give it a little bit of bright sunlight exposure each day.