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Sprouting seeds is not only fun (for kids and adults!), but also has numerous health benefits. I have always wanted to try my hand at sprouts, but haven't taken the time until now.  It seems so easy, and due to the current spring/summer season, we are obsessed with growing. Thus, this little sprouting activity feeds our current green interests as well as our salad bowl. This is a new activity for us, I don't even have an after picture yet, but I had to share in real-time! I love it when health and fun intersect, which is often. Therefore, if you want a fun, easy, and gratifying activity that will also add nutrients and health benefits to your diet, keep reading. First, let me share a few of the many benefits of sprouting, other than adding fun to your day.

Eating sprouts can:

- increase your absorptions of vitamins such as A, B, C, and E due to their unusually high amount of enzymes

- regulate digestion due to being high in dietary fiber

- help alkalize the body and protect from diseases including cancer!

- help support cell regeneration

- boost blood circulation

- aid in weight loss

- increase eyesight

- promote healthy skin and hair

- increase heart health

Here's how we do it, and what you will need:

What you need:

- clean hands + spoon

- organic chia seeds (whole seeds not ground)

- filtered water + clean spray bottle

- two terracotta dishes (one as an absorbent base + one as a cover)

- sunlight

- a smidge of patience, but not much!

Prep:

- Make sure all items have been cleaned with warm soapy water + dried- including your hands!

Chia Sprout Instructions:

1.  Spread a thin layer of chia seeds onto dish.

2.  Spray with water until moist.

3.  Cover and place in a dark place.

5.  Spray everyday, watching for roots to appear. (This often takes place in 1-2 days, sometimes over night.). 

6. Repeat steps 2 - 5 until sprouts appear prevalent not just sporadic. (Usually around day 5)

7.  When sprouts are about 3/4 of an inch tall, uncover and put them in a well lit window sill.

8.  Continue to spray each day as needed.

9.  Harvest when sprouts are 1/2-3/4 inch tall.

10.  Wash items, and repeat.

How to Store + Harvest:

1.  Harvest full sprout to root or cut with clean scissors leaving tip of root for compost.

2.  Store in a jar for 3-5 days in the fridge

3.  Make sure to check for mold before consumption.

4.  Wash items, and repeat.

Q & A:

Why Terracotta?

Terracotta is absorbent and is less likely to allow mold to form.

How much water?

The sprouts simply need moisture.  If you live in a moist climate, you may not need to spray daily.  There are methods of sprouting that do not require spraying each day.

Why not cover with water instead?

You can do this, but there's potential risk for mold.

Does this work for other seeds?

Yes, there are many seed sprout options, but do your research not all sprouts should be eaten.

Can we use common chia seeds we buy at the grocers?

Yes! We recommend organic chia seeds due to the practice and the potential risk in eating sprouts from seeds treated with synthetic chemicals.

Where do I find these items?

Here we provide links to items found via amazon, but local super-markets, feed supply, and garden supply stores should have the same items. 

Now, purchase your chia sprouting tools and GROW!

Andea Beims

CREDITS:

Author - Andea Beims

Photo Editing by HIVEhome team-member + Honey in the HIVE - Jessica Collins of https://jessicacollins.photography.

Editing + Publishing by HIVEhome team-member + Honey in the HIVE - Andrea Haney.

Styling + Photos by HIVEhome intern - Nevaeh Beims

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