Raw Cleansing – Sprouts, the Fun Way to Grow Your Own Food!

Sprouts are the power of the seed realized and they are so full of phytonutrients and living enzymes that they are very good for you when doing a cleanse!  Growing your own sprouts is easy, cost-effective and tasty too.  I started sprouting my own seeds with a growing kit from Sprout People.  They have a 3 Lid Set for mason jars that comes with instructions on sprouting.  You can grow alfalfa sprouts, radish sprouts, broccoli sprouts, grains, you name it.  I buy my seeds at my local co-op and you can also get them online.

The 3 Sprout Mix I started from seeds below. It makes a lot!

I also learned from Tim James, owner of The Sprout Company located in Tigard, Oregon, that a nice 3 sprout mix can be made of Mung Beans, Lentils and Fenugreek Seeds. Tim grows and sells sprouts and wheatgrass along with juicers and other health supplies.  He made us some raw tacos using this 3 in one sprout mix and it convinced me to make the mix often.  I use it on salads, in bowls with other grains and veggies, and on raw dishes.

Raw crackers with 3 Sprout Mix and Raw Tacos with Sunflower Sprouts

3 Sprout Mix

• 2 TB dry Mung Beans
• 2 TB dry Lentils
• 2 TB Fenugreek Seeds

2 TB each of Fenugreek, Lentils and Mung Beans

Fill with water & soak overnight

Put all seeds above in a 1 quart mason jar.  Fill with water and soak overnight for 8-12 hours.  Rinse well using the smallest screen lid 2-3 times a day.  Allow the water to drain as noted below.  I use a large bowl and towel to help provide good drainage.

Rinse 2-3 times a day, then drain well.

Keep in a dark place that allows for good air circulation.  I put mine on the counter top, near the window and cover it with a dark towel.  Continue rinsing 2-3 times a day until about 3-5 days when tails are on the sprouts.

Close up of 3 sprout mix

Put near sunlight for the last 8-12 hours to allow leaves to turn green.  This also helps to push the seed covers off the new leaves.  Enjoy on salads, in soups, or any dish where you want some crunch, nutrition and added flavor.

3 sprout mix on salad, recipe below

Sprout Salad

• 1 head green lettuce
• 1 orange cut into chunks
• 3 stalks celery chopped fine
• 3/4 cup of the above 3 sprout mix
• 1/2 avocado diced
• Ground pepper

Clean, spin and break lettuce into bite size pieces.  Peel and section an orange, then cut each section into thirds to make bite size chunks.  Chop celery finely and add to above mix.  Sprinkle with the sprout mix gently breaking it up as you add it to the salad.  Top with avocado dices and finish with basic vinaigrette dressing.  Toss, top with ground pepper and enjoy!