Looking for an easy-to-grow veggie that is super healthy and ready to harvest in mere days? Grow sprouts. Unlike many homegrown crops that can take weeks or months to produce, sprouts are ready to eat in less than a week. Keep the following tips in mind for how sprouts grow.

All about sprouts

Essentially germinated seeds, sprouts require only water and the right temperature in order to sprout and grow. They are generally grown in the kitchen right where you want them. Rich in vitamins and minerals and high in fiber, sprouts are fairly low in calories. The nutrients in bean sprouts like mung include vitamins K and C, iron and folate. A wide variety of sprouts exist, each with their own flavors and textures. It’s a good idea to try several types of sprouts to see which you prefer. Some common sprouts for which you’ll find seeds include broccoli, mung, alfalfa, marrowfat pea, garbanzo bean, lentil and clover. By growing your own, you have the chance to try many types of sprouts that you wouldn’t be able to find in the grocery store.

Choose a sprouting method

Sprouts require a sterile vessel in which to sprout, such as a sprouting jar or sprouter. They must be kept moist but cannot sit in standing water. Accomplish this by growing them in a sprouter that drains or grow them in a mason jar that you fill with water and then empty. Well-designed sprouters also offer good air circulation and sufficient space for growth.

Growing sprouts

Sprouts germinate around 65 degrees and should be grown out of direct sunlight. When they are mature and ready to eat, place them in indirect light for a few hours to green up. Practice safe food handling with your sprouts. Always wash the sprouter or mason jar with warm, sudsy water prior to filling with seeds. And avoid touching the seeds or sprouts with your hands. Use a spoon to place the seeds in the sprouter and tongs to harvest the sprouts. If you experience mold or fruit flies when growing your sprouts, lower the temperature in the room. Also increase air circulation by running a small fan near the sprouter.