Everyone knows the role seeds play in the chain of life. Now more and more people are recognizing the valuable contribution seed sprouts can make as one of man's most important and readily available sources of food. Rich in vitamins, minerals, unsaturated oils, and carbohydrates essential to maintaining good health, seed sprouts contain amino acid, the source of life itself. In addition, they are a culinary delight. Mixed in salads, sauteed, used in exotic dishes, or simply eaten raw, they bring original and pleasing flavors to the menu.

Park offers a variety of seeds for sprouting, each with a distinctive and delicious taste and each easy and quick to germinate. For good results, we recommend using a canning jar. Just make sure seeds are washed clean, then place the desired amount in the jar; cover top with cloth (cheesecloth or muslin held on with an elastic band is satisfactory) and place container in a warm, dark spot. Rinse the seeds once or twice daily in lukewarm water until they sprout (within 3-6 days usually).

Other kitchen containers can be successfully used such as any wide mouth jar, shallow bowl, strainer, colander, pie pan, or similar container that can be covered. One may also find special sprouting equipment.

Among the most commonly sprouted seeds are wheat, mung beans, alfalfa, and soybeans. However, the list of those that can be sprouted is nearly endless with some of the more popular including: lentils, sweet corn, buckwheat, barley, rye, lima beans, sunflowers, oats, red clover, pear, parsley, fenugreek, radish, and mustard. Be sure you use only untreated seed.

Wheat and sunflower seed sprouts are most delicious when the sprout is the length of the seed. Mung bean sprouts are best when 1 1/2-3 inches long. Pea and soybean sprouts are good short or long. In general, the longer the sprout the more nourishment it contains, but most sprouts taste better when short. If the sprouts get long enough and are exposed to sunlight for a day, they will often send out tiny leaves which develop vitamin A and chlorophyll.

Specific directions and variations in processing are included with the individual offerings Park Seed lists for sprouting.