As grocery prices increase, cultivating your own produce can actually save money. However, people living in large cities or lacking yard space might find this idea challenging and unattainable. Small areas typically aren’t conducive to traditional gardening; however, perhaps considering a more compact approach could help. Lentil sprouts require very little effort and take up almost no room—they also offer numerous nutritional advantages. You only need basic items from your kitchen to start growing lentil sprouts without needing much space at all.
Several techniques can be used for growing lentil shoots – these require both moisture and sunlight to thrive – however, the simplest method involves just a paper towel and a large bowl. Start by laying down one or two sheets of paper towels at the bottom of the bowl and evenly distribute your cleaned lentils over them. Pour sufficient water into the bowl to ensure all the lentils are submerged, then leave it undisturbed overnight. The following day, remove the standing water from the bowl and add another wet paper towel atop the lentils to keep everything moist. Position this setup in a well-lit area within your kitchen, such as near a window ledge or countertop where they will receive ample sunshine.
Before long, you’ll notice some sprouts appearing. As soon as they show up, take off the upper paper towel but leave the lower one intact. Make certain to frequently mist it with water so that it stays moist without becoming saturated. Keep these germinating lentils in their sunlit area, and within approximately seven days, your sprouts should be ready for harvesting.
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Advantages of Lentil Sprouts and Their Usage Methods
Having successfully cultivated lentil sprouts at home, you can now proceed to enjoy eating them. Known for their taste reminiscent of crisp sugar snap peas, they are also very nourishing. Rich in protein, complex carbs, fiber, along with essential minerals such as zinc, iron, magnesium, and potassium, these tiny sprouts pack quite a health punch.
Lentil sprouts can be utilized in the same way as
other useful microgreens
. Incorporate them into sandwiches for an explosion of taste or mix them into a salad.
springy pea salad
They can also make a great addition to a vegetable stir-fry. These serve as an ideal nutritious topping for various dishes. However, one crucial aspect to remember about any type of sprouts is that they may have a tendency to develop mold, hence
how to properly store your sprouts
is crucial.
The vegetable compartment in your fridge can be a great ally for growing sprouts. Store your sprouts in a sealed plastic container featuring a damp paper towel with several small punctures or place them inside a jar wrapped with a paper towel and topped with a cover perforated for airflow. These openings help release extra humidity, while the low temperature maintains their freshness and crunchiness for an extended period.
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Article from Tasting Table
.
