Sprout storage question!

[mpure]

I know that sprouted beans and grains should be stored in the refrigerator after they have been sprouted to prevent spoilage, but i often have trouble drying them to the point where there is little moisture in the container I am storing them in. Does anyone have any methods or procedures to go about drying or storing sprouted seeds, nuts and grains? Also- IS it the same for nuts? I have heard of people storing soaked nuts in room temperature after dehydrating or air drying them. I DO NOT have a dehydrator, but is it okay to air dry nuts and seeds? or does this diminish the freshness or nutrient content in any way? and if it IS okay to air dry, can it be stored on my counter, or should it still be refrigerated? Thank you , thank you!!

[MysticTree]

If you place them in a closed nut milk bag or something similar and go outside and swing your arm round a few times whilst holding the bag then a lot of moisture is spun out. Do the same number of swings with each arm and count it as exercise!

If you don't have a garden or your arms don't run to swinging then put the bag in a salad spinner and spin the water out that way.

[streetsurfer]

Spinning is a good method. Salad spinners work if you have one but swinging in a bag as mentioned works well too. Do either of these gently so as not to damage the fine hair roots and root tips. You can spin fast but no jack rabbit starts, so to speak.

Place a couple dry paper towels in the bag with the sprouts during refrigeration. Change out the towel daily. Use a flour sack cotton towel if desired.

Drain them in a collander lined with paper towels until dry enough.

Place on counter on flat tray and use a small desk fan to help dry.

A little moisture in the fridge will not necessarily lead to spoilage in the short term. What it does is allow them to continue growing slightly. This is also part of why you dry well and refrigerate them; to slow growth and keep them delicate in texture and mild flavored.

Spoilage can also be deterred, as well as browning (oxidation) removed, by rinsing with 1/8-1/4 t. of ascorbic acid per quart or rinse water. This can be done during the sprouting stage or after stored if they do discolor a little.

[mpure]

oh, excellent. The nut milk bag is a great idea, I don't have a salad spinner but that sounds good too, simple answers, simple ideas-everything is so simple! thank you both!

[Raynne413]

I lay out a cookie sheet and place paper towels on top. I then spread out my sprouts in a single layer on the paper towels. They tend to dry pretty well after that. I usually do that after my last rinse cycle.