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How is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This article was co-authored by Maggie Moran. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. This article has been viewed 183,690 times.
Broccoli sprouts are packed with nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Many grocery stores and health food stores carry broccoli sprouts, but you can also grow your own. The process involves soaking broccoli seeds overnight, and then keeping them somewhere warm and dark for the next week as they germinate. You can use a dedicated sprouter to sprout broccoli seeds, or you can use a clear glass or plastic jar. A mason jar is ideal, but you can also use a plastic food storage container.
Use a sterile sprouter or jar to prevent the growth of pathogens. You can sterilize the jar by running it through the dishwasher, or by washing it in hot, soapy water. You’ll also need fresh, filtered water to soak and rinse the seeds multiple times each day over the 7 to 10 days needed to grow the sprouts. Combine the seeds with filtered water in the jar. Swirl the water and seeds around together to completely saturate the seeds. If any of the seeds float, push them down in the jar.
If you don’t have a thermometer, the water should feel slightly cool. Place the cheesecloth over the mouth of the jar and use an elastic band or a mason jar ring to secure it in place. You can also screw on a dedicated sprouting lid with a built-in screen if you have one. Using cheesecloth or mesh will allow airflow into the jar, but will keep dirt, bugs, and particulate out. You can also use a clean tea towel in place of the cheesecloth. Transfer the seeds to a warm, dark place.
This will help to replicate the conditions the seeds experience in the soil, and will encourage germination. Ideal places include a kitchen cabinet, cupboard, or pantry. Soak the seeds for about 8 hours. Leave the seeds in the water in the pantry overnight, or for 8 to 10 hours. This will kickstart the germination process and help the sprouts to grow faster. Once the seeds have been soaking for about 8 hours, remove the cheesecloth and transfer the seeds to a fine-mesh colander.
Turn on the water and rinse the seeds for about a minute to remove any dirt or plant matter. If you’re using a sprouting cap with a built-in screen, simply drain the water by slowly turning the jar upside down. After you drain the water, place the jar upside down at a 45-degree angle for 30 minutes so that all of the water in the jar drains out. Return the seeds to the jar. Use a clean spoon to transfer the rinsed seeds back to the sprouting jar.