Growing Broccoli Sprouts at Home

Broccoli sprouts host a wide array of health benefits, most notably, their sulforaphane content. We should all try to incorporate more broccoli sprouts into our diet however, they are not readily available in most supermarkets and if present, can be expensive. Luckily, they are quick and easy to grow at home and only require basic equipment.

Ingredients and Equipment

• Organic broccoli seeds

• Wide-mouth litre mason jar

• Wire sprouting lid

• OPTIONAL - sprouting jar holder

All of the equipment and ingredients can be easily bought online. The whole process of growing your own broccoli sprouts will take approximately 1 week.

Growing Instructions

1. Place 2 Tbsp of your broccoli seeds into the mason jar and fill the jar half way with water. Put on the sprouting lid and place the jar in a dark, warm, place for 8-12 hours. It works well doing this in the evening, and tending to them in the morning.

2. The following morning, drain and rinse the seeds with fresh water. Rest the jar at a 45° angle, either with the sprouting jar holder or in a bowl, allowing all the water to drain out, placing them back into a dark and warm place. 45°.

3. Rinse the sprouts twice daily and place them back on a 45° angle after each rinse You will notice the seeds starting to break open and grow after a few days. Once they begin to sprout and show small leaves, move them to a lighter place, allowing the leaves to grow.

4. Continue to wash and drain the seeds. 3-4 days later, they will grow dark green leaves and they are ready to harvest.

5. At this stage, the mason jar will be full of broccoli sprouts. Allow the sprouts to release any excess moisture by leaving them to sit on a paper towel for a few hours, or leaving the jar on an angle for 8-12 hours. If they contain too much residual moisture before refrigerating they can rot or go mouldy.

6. Store them in air tight container in the fridge for a week, or in the freezer for 3 months. If eating fresh, it is best to consume them straight away to get the full nutritional benefits. 

Add the fresh sprouts to your salads or sandwiches for some added nutrition or add some frozen to a smoothie.