Sprouting machines

[annavon]

When I purchased my juicer last month, it came with an advertisement for an automatic sprouter. I also noticed on veganforlife's kitchen pics. that she had some on her counter (I think that's what they were). I wanted to get opinions on how effective/convenient they are. How do they work? I seem to always be pressed for time and if I can automate something, I am all for it.

By the way, I also, got over my mental block with respect to sprouting. I kept procrastinating. I finally told myself, "this isn't hard, you were sprouting 30 years ago, you can do it again". I put the seeds to soak last night!!!:D

[spicyfull]

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=43774&referrerid=4614

[annavon]

I saw that thread, but I don't think that what I am talking about. This is a device specifically for growing sprouts and claims to be automatic. It is shaped like a cylindar. I have seen advertisements for the aerogarden and it looks different from what I saw. I think the aerogarden is a great idea too. It is difficult to grow out doors in Arizona because of the extreme heat and the bugs and other critters.

Anybody out there know what I am talking about?

[Veganforlife]

FreshLife Sprouter. I have two of them. Love 'em! Love the ease of it, the quickness of the sprouting and easy cleanup. The only "maintenance" is changing the sprout water daily. PLUS I like hearing the sound of the water. It's faint, but a nice, soothing sound. Buckwheat literally overnight is done!
I also opted for the second barrel.

[Live Love Laugh]

I also have this and LUV it -- and purchased the second barrel .

[raweater]

I have the Easy Green, I didn't get the cylindrical one because it recycles the same water and needs it changed daily. The Easy Green does not recirculate water and is much larger. I don't use it very often but I'm still gglad I have it. Before I had it I literally ruined 19 out of 20 sprout attempts (using a sprout bag).

[goobygirl]

I have the Easy Green too and we typically run 3 to 4 at a time, it's very simple.

[michigan roman]

check out this ' home made ' mung sprouting machine in pic ,
sprouts at day 6 in colander =

[spicyfull]

Michigan........Now That's a Sprouter........

[Revvell]

I had the FreshLife, loved it but didn't have the Easy Green to compare. I'd compare the two. Liked the FreshLife except for recycling the same water as stated ~ have to change it a couple times put otherwise, I liked it.

Revvell

[michigan roman]

Michigan........Now That's a Sprouter........

and cost only $1 at the local ' dollar store ' :D

* these mung bean sprouts are rawfoodist gold , this colanders holding about 2 gallons of sprouts created from about not even a cup of seeds . all within like 6 / 7 days , at about a cost of 20 cents . fresh / organic / grown in any season without sun nutrition packed gold .

[Andre]

I found that a mason jar with window screening did just better then any sprouter I've seen. The auto-sprouters still have to be cleaned and maintained and wouldn't yield enough for my diet.

[annavon]

Wow this thread go a new life! Thanks for all of the great responses. I met the "Sproutman" at the Raw Spirit Fest who helps with some of these points.

Andre: I do have to admit that I have used the jar method with a great deal of success too. The jar method can be a problem because of lack of air circulation and hence molding. Here, the air is so dry I don't have the problems.

That said, I just purchased a fresh life sprouter at the festival.

Thank you all for your responses.

[jacsam]

Alissa's has a section in her book on sprouting.....it really is easy. On her DVD she shows you how she just sprouts in bowells and puts a paper towell over them. I have several sprouting trays but you really only need bowells, water and seeds. Oh, but you know us rawbies, we like our toys....at least I do.

[cavany]

I have the Easy Green too and we typically run 3 to 4 at a time, it's very simple.

Do you have any problems with cleaning the Easy Green unit?

I have an issue with fungus/mould growing on the sprouts. Initially it was ok but problem appeared after a few weeks of continuous use. I stopped using the Easy Green for a few months and went over to the jars but could not get enough sprouts so went back and now find I cant get more that a weeks use before the sprouts start to get effected again.

I thought the unit had some spores living within it so I disconnect and dismantled it and thoroughly cleaned it but problem returned very shortly after.

They have a cleaning cycle and if I'm correct this required some additive which I think is bleach but I don’t want to us this.

Do you have any suggestions how to deal with this?

[goobygirl]

Hubby is on sprouter duty. He says you have to put a couple of drops of grapefruit seed extract in the water, run the cycles for shorter time periods, and water a bit less. He also soaks the seeds in a hydrogen peroxide/water mixture prior to sprouting. Some people say bleach water, but of course, we don't use that.

I also have used the jar method with the plastic mesh covers and an old dishdrying tray to good results. Hubby wanted the sprouters because he loves sprouts and fiddling with machines. I'm sure you could get plenty of sprouts with less money and about the same effort.

[Stina]

Another option is to put drops of liquid kelp into the soaking water, then add a little citric acid powder to the rinse water to ward off mold. I have better luck with sprouting containers that allow for some circulation, so I throw a dish towel over the top to let them breathe.

[annavon]

Update: I just received my Freshlife Sprouter in the mail yesterday. It is gurggling away on my counter!:)