… We love homegrown. Why? Because we know where it comes from. As we often repeat, CONSIDER THE SOURCE.
Well, today it was announced that an organic food garden will be planted on the White House grounds, with the food to be eaten by the Obamas and served at official events. Not only annuals (tomatoes, lettuce, etc.) but also blueberry & raspberry bushes and rhubarb – plants that keep on giving). Very cool.
We think everyone should grow their own, no matter how small a part of their food supply. Anyone with a yard or access to one should put in some plants. Even if you don’t have any land, how about a few herb or veggie plants in pots if you have a sunny window or terrace. Don’t even have that? Try some sprouts — all you need is a jar.
Sprout Directions: Start with organic seeds. This means they won’t be sprayed with poisons, genetically modified or otherwise yucky. Alfalfa and mung beans are familiar seeds but almost any kind of seed will deliver tasty sprouts. Try radish, pea, garbanzo, lentil, adzuki beans, clover, broccoli, and many others. You can even make your own blends which are especially delicious in salads.
For almost all seeds, add 2-3 tbsp seeds (less for smaller seeds like alfalfa and more for the larger types) to a quart jar filled with room temperature water and soak overnight. Cover with a screened lid or eveb just a cheesecloth and rubber band (the idea is to let air in). Rinse twice. Turn upside down in a bowl (at an angle so the water can drain) and let sit in a dark, warm place such as a cabinet. Rinse will clean water 2-3 times daily (morning and evening is the easiest to remember and works fine).
After 3-4 days, when the seeds have sprouted and tiny seed leaves begin to appear, you can move the smaller seeds that you want to turn green (alfalfa, radish, etc.) to a well lit spot, continuing to rinse twice daily and allowing them to drain. In a day or so, the sprouts will green up. The larger seeds, like peas, beans and lentils are ready before the seed leaves get too big. They are incredibly tasty with a fresh flavor and packed with nutrition.
Did you know that sprouts can contain up to 100 times the nutritional wallop as their full-grown counterparts, including vitamins, essential fatty acids and cancer-fighting agents such as those found in broccoli?
Use sprouts in sandwiches, salads and more. ENJOY YOUR FOOD.