Best simple device for growing sprouts that needs little attention?

[raweater]

I have an EasyGreen automatic sprouter but don't use it anymore and think I will sell it since I can get a good amount for it. I'd like to replace it with a cheap manual sprouter for the rare times I do make sprouts. What's a good manual sprouter that only needs attention no more than once a day?

Thanks.

[DebB]

I don't know if this is what you had in mind, I use glass Mason jars. *Ü*

[contessa20]

That dish strainer idea is BRILLIANT Deb!!! I love it.

[OnMyJourney]

If memory serves me correctly, Alissa says she now uses a bowl and a paper towel, as opposed to the fancy things she used early on. That's pretty simple if you ask me. :)

[Thats Life]

seconded, Thanks DebB, you just add water and shake every now and then? leave lid loose? hoiw do you manage with the smaller grains like sesame?

[Thats Life]

i just need to find a rack suitable and a stray McDonalds tray

[DebB]

I snagged that dish drainer at our local thrift store for 70 cents. We have stores here called "Cash & Carry", in other states they're called "Smart & Final", that's where I got the tray. But I got a good laugh about the McDonald's tray :)

These particular sprouts are a 50-50 combo of alfalfa and red clover. I soak them about 12 hours and then drain. Then twice a day I simply cover the seeds/sprouts in water and drain. Then shake the jars well to remove as much water as possible and set them in the tray.

You can set them in a bowl also - you want them angled like that. Before placing them on their angle - I smack the jar around and get the sprouts towards the bottom of the jar. You want to keep the screened top as open as possible for air flow. Ofcourse when the sprouts start filling the jar up, that's no longer possible.

Then - when they're all done (takes around 5 days depending on your temps, etc.) I pull them all out and place them in a large bowl and cover with water. I swish them all around, dislodging their hulls. The hulls that float to the surface I remove with a spoon. Then I lift the sprouts from the water and place them in a drawstring nut milk-type bag. I lift them from the water because most of the hulls sink to the bottom of the bowl and you don't want to disturb those hulls. You're going to lose sprouts in the process, nothing you can do about that.

Then I step outside and spin that sprout bag, getting out as the water. Put them in a clean jar, cover with a solid lid and put in the fridge.

About the sprouting lids - I've included pics below of the lids I use. The homemade ones couldn't be easier (or cheaper!) as they're made from plastic canvas from the craft store. An 8x11" sheet is less than $1 and you'll get several lids from 1 sheet. If my memory serves me I got size 7 and 10 (holes per inch).

You asked about sesame seeds - I've never soaked and sprouted those, so I can't help you there. *Ü*

[Evie]

Hemp Sprout Bags and Nut Mylk bags are wonderful for sprouting and very low maintaince. They are available from several sources on-line.

[levamssg]

Easy sprout from the Sprout People (or other places on line) is fantastic. Simple to use, sprouts grow great, takes up very little space, and can use to store sprouts in fridge if you want. (mine never make it that far).

I've done jars, bowls, trays and bags ... for me, Easy Sprout works the best. (I take mine when I travel, too -- works great).

[raweater]

Well I just bought a large strainer to grow sprouts in that probably holds 4-5 cups, I tried putting some seeds in it and the really small ones pass through, but I'm letting some soak now and hopefully once they've gotten larger from soaking they won't fall through.

[Tirza]

For really small seeds you could line the strainer with cheese cloth, or just do them in a sprout bag hanging from the knob on your upper cabinet (with a bowl under to catch the drippings.)