Organic alfalfa seed Alfalfa seed comes from the lucerne clover. The word "alfalfa" comes from Arabic and literally means "father of all foods." After bean sprouts, alfalfa is probably the most well-known sprout.
Ingredients Garden cress seed
Usage 1. Place one to two tablespoons of seeds in a preserving jar and add plenty of lukewarm/warm water. [Any glass jar will do, provided it is large enough (at least 1.5 liters) and the neck isn't (too) narrowed.]
2. Attach a plastic or fiberglass insect screen to the pot using a sturdy (postal) elastic band. Avoid aluminum insect screens, as they are sometimes treated to protect against insects.
3. After the indicated soaking time¹, drain the water, rinse the seeds, and drain the water again.
4. Place the pot upside down at room temperature in a colander, rack or container so that excess water can drain away.
It's important that all the water can drain; the water that remains on the sprouts is enough to keep the germination process going. It's also important that the seeds/sprouts don't cover the entire screen. Sufficient airflow is essential for good results. Therefore, after each rinsing, distribute the seeds/sprouts evenly across the length of the pot. Do not place the pot with seeds/sprouts on a radiator or in direct sunlight!
5. Rinse the seeds/sprouts for the indicated growing period² approximately 3 times a day, and then always store the pot upside down at an angle.
6. After the very last rinse*, allow the sprouts to dry in the jar (inverted at an angle) at room temperature for at least 18 hours before consuming them and/or placing them in the refrigerator.
* If desired, the final rinse can be replaced by a 'wash' to remove the germs from the pellets: -Fill a bowl or something similar to the brim with lukewarm/warm water. -Put the sprouts in here and 'wash' the sprouts loose. -Skim the pellets by 'waving' them over the edge of the bowl. -Scoop the sprouts out of the water by hand and put them back in the pot. -Reattach the gauze, turn the pot upside down at an angle, and let it grow dry at room temperature for at least 18 hours.
Store leftover sprouts in a cool place (max. 7°C) and sealed (not airtight).