Sprouting Seeds

What's in the range

There are four main types. Small leafy seeds such as alfalfa, broccoli, Italian clover, kohlrabi, cabbage mix and kale give fine, mild sprouts. Spicy seeds like radish (China Rose and daikon), mustard, rocket and cress add a peppery kick. Beans, pulses and grains including mung beans, green and red lentils, chickpeas, adzuki beans and fenugreek make crunchy, nutty sprouts. Shoots, grasses and herbs such as pea shoots, sunflower, wheatgrass, barley grass, beetroot, basil, coriander, parsley and dill are best grown as microgreens in a tray.

How to grow them

For jar sprouting, rinse the seeds, then soak them in cool water: around 4–6 hours for small seeds and 8–12 hours for beans and lentils. Drain well, then rinse and drain two or three times a day, keeping the jar tilted upside down so no water pools at the bottom. Most sprouts are ready in 3–7 days. Seeds that turn gel-like when wet, such as cress, rocket, basil and mustard, shouldn't be soaked in a jar; sprinkle them onto damp kitchen paper, a sprouting tray or compost instead and mist them daily. Pea shoots, sunflower, wheatgrass and barley grass grow best in a shallow tray of compost and are snipped once they reach a few centimetres tall.

How to eat them

Alfalfa and clover are mild and crisp in sandwiches and wraps. Radish, mustard and rocket sprouts add heat to salads, noodles and tacos. Mung beans and lentils are lovely in stir-fries and curries, pea shoots taste sweet like fresh peas, and herb microgreens make a pretty garnish for soups and eggs. Wheatgrass and barley grass are usually juiced or blended into smoothies.

Storing and sizes

Keep unsoaked seeds in a sealed container in a cool, dry, dark cupboard, where they will keep for many months. Once grown, give your sprouts a final rinse, drain and dry them well, then keep them covered in the fridge and eat them within a few days. Always use a clean jar and fresh water for each batch. Most seeds come in sizes from small packs up to larger bags, and UK orders over £50 get free delivery.