stinky nuts, what did I do wrong?

[meganthevegan]

Well, I was so happy because I soaked my sunflower seeds (more than 2 cups worth, too many at once maybe?) overnight. Then I set them on paper plates w/ paper towels to dry in my oven (not on, only place I had room to set all those nuts). They were spread thinly on the plates. Then 24 hours later or so I moved them to a paper towel lined cookie sheet. The next night (tonight) I went to store them and noticed they were stinky. I looked closely and found mold on a few of them. What did I do wrong? I was so happy because they all had these nice little sprouty tails then I somehow spoiled them all. I just can't afford this mistake again.

[sport]

My chart says that sunflower seeds should be soaked 6 to 8 hours so I go for 7. Did you soak them for too long. If they are then allowed to follow their natural sprouting route then they should be rinsed at least twice daily or they will go stinky. You should let them sprout. I have some on their third day at the moment and they look fantastic

[NoGMO!]

I was so happy because they all had these nice little sprouty tails then I somehow spoiled them all. I just can't afford this mistake again.

meganthevegan,

I know what you mean. It can be disappointing and a waste of money when something you try to make flops. :mad:

This happened to me several times with various food prep, more so in the beginning when I was trying something for the first time.
Don't let it bother you too much, you could consider it invalueable practice and an investment in skill and know how.

I'm sure if one had never made, or seen bacon & eggs before (insert any common S.A.D. dish here) - or a stove, or skillet, or a spatula... and then tried to folllow a recipe for first time they might not get it right! :)

I'm not sure what went wrong. I invested in an automatic sprouter ($99) - after I decided I really liked sprouting - It was just more convenient and works for me. But there are many different methods of sprouting that all work just fine.

Better luck next time!

[tracyinfo]

After soaking the seeds, while they are sprouting, they s/b rinsed. You can spray water on them also and let them dry somewhat. After sprouting, either use them right away or store them in the refrigerator. They are somewhat perishable, as they get rinsed and water clings to them. So right after sprouting, use or store in refrigerator.

Blessings.

[rawpriestess]

I don't care for sunflower seeds specifically for this reason, they seem to go bad easily.

Anway, you must soak for only a short time, like others have said, and then you need to rinse like crazy, I rinse every 4 hours.

Once, they have sprouted in the fridge they go.

[meganthevegan]

My chart says that sunflower seeds should be soaked 6 to 8 hours so I go for 7. Did you soak them for too long. If they are then allowed to follow their natural sprouting route then they should be rinsed at least twice daily or they will go stinky. You should let them sprout. I have some on their third day at the moment and they look fantastic
Well, I soaked them overnight, like my book said. but I did not rinse. do you rinse during the overnight or when they are drying. maybe that's what I did wrong.

[meganthevegan]

thanks everyone. I've seen a sprouting bag mentioned in a few books. does anyone have one and do they help?

[sport]

I have a sprouting bag and I used it for the first time this week. I had sesame seed sprouts in it and they turned out OK. I also have the tiered trays that are made especially for sprouting but I think that the improvised glass jar with the netting on top is the easiest and the best.
I never soak anything overnight unless I am eating it the following day because I think it is too long to soak something you want to sprout

[organic alaskan]

Megan,

Were you trying to sprout the seeds or simply soak and dry them?

If you want to sprout them, try using a large jar with cheesecloth fastened over the top. After soaking them, keep them in the jar in a dark cool place and rinse at least twice a day until they have sprouted enough- then use, refridgerate, or dehydrate immediatly.

If you just wanted to soak them (not sprout), you should (after soaking) rinse, drain, and use or dehydrate right away. Letting them air dry at room temp & humidity for as long as you did will invite unwanted mold and things.

Better luck next time! And I know how you feel...I ruined plenty of batches of sprouts and nuts before I figured it out.