How do you sprout nuts & seeds?

[VeryBerry]

Is it true that unsoaked nuts & seeds don't have their ensimes activated?
Is sprouting better then soaking? I want to try sprouting some sunflower seeds and almonds, but not sure how. Any advice?

[veganman]

Hi VeryBerry -

if you go up to the banana and do a search about nuts, you will find lots of posts about this.

My experience is that I soak all nuts and seeds. I find that sunflower seeds sprout really well, almonds appear to have a shoot that begins (although I have heard mixed opinions on that), and flax and sesame seeds sprout okay. Everything else is a matter of soaking to deactivate the enzyme inhibitors.

Hope this helps. Do you have Alissa's book? It is a wonderful source for this type of info.

[VeryBerry]

I read some of the old posts about sprouting, but I am still a bit confused.
Do you need to buy special equipment? What is a sprouting jar? Can you make one yourself?

[sport]

Any jar will do you.
Cover the top with mesh or cheesecloth and use 2 rubber bands to secure it.
Make sure that you tilt it after rinsing so that there is a gap so that air can circulate and do not pack the jar too much. They need some room

[JinxieKat]

I just posted this over in the sprouting section. It covers the basics of sprouting in short form *grin* If you have more questions just email me. I love sprouts!

"The traditional way is a glass jar with a mesh lid. I don't like this way and I've come across alot of people that have drainage problems with the glass jars. Another traditional way is a sprout bag. I adore sprouting bags. They are easy, portable, and provide lots of drainage and air flow for the sprouts. They are also cheap! I've also tried, and liked, the easy sprouter. Sometimes you can find those locally at a health food store. They aren't very expensive either and work well for many different types of sprouts. You can also sprout in a mesh collander.. Soak the seeds overnight, drain through the collander and set them on the counter and rinse two or three times a day. That's a nice way to get started if your not sure that your going to like sprouting as most folks have a mesh strainer around the house somewhere. "

Jinx

[veganman]

Good point about the collanders, Jinx. I usually have a few strainers draining over pots with nuts and seeds in them. I got these at a kitchen supply store for about $3 each.