Sprout Success
Posted on Oct 22, 2022
By: Jenny Ross
The perfect balance of beauty and function, the new GEO-T150 makes sprouting simple and diverse. With 4 trays to fill with a variety of sprouts, you can easily stack and grow multiple types of seeds and keep a healthy rotation going so you always have fresh sprouts to enjoy!
Did you know that sprouts commonly contain nutrients at a higher density than a “full grown” plant food, plus the nutrients are more bioavailable in sprout form?
This means a healthy boost for your daily energy levels, provides a fantastic support for optimal digestion, and let's not forget sprouts provide a delicious added flavor to any meal. Adding 2-4 oz to a meal can provide you with these above-mentioned benefits and then some!
SHOP NOWTips for Success
Here are some simple tips for success with growing and enjoying your daily sprouts fresh.
1. Layer each tray with sprouts that grow at different rates.
For example, broccoli sprouts take less time than basil sprouts. Layering for harvest time can help. Unsure and new to this? Don’t worry—our friends at Sproutman have a great chart for learning the harvest time of many common sprouts here.
2. Try different varieties of sprouts.
You can sprout lentils which provide a healthy dose of protein and more “leafy” sprouts like alfalfa sprouts, plus a fun flavor rich sprout like arugula. When they are all mature you can simply toss these 3 together for a tasty salad- top with olive oil and lemon for a fantastically filling snack!
3. Water daily.
The GEO allows for natural drainage, preventing the growth of harmful bacteria while sprouting. Be sure to water your sprouts daily and discard the water in the drip catch tray 1-2 times daily.
4. Do my sprouts need sunlight to grow?
Place your sprouter out of the sunlight for the first few days, then move your sprouter closer to the window for some natural sunlight after they have been growing a few days. They will brighten up and become more green. This helps protect the seed in the early phases of sprouting.
5. Night & day sprouting options.
The GEO can be used in both a “closed” and open configuration—this allows you to keep seeds that grow well in the dark hidden as needed until they are ready for more light.
6. Check your seeds daily.
The Italian terracotta it's made from is naturally absorbent, so check your seeds twice daily for best results to be sure they have enough moisture to feed the seed. This beautiful material creates the perfect growing environment for happy sprouts!
Once you’ve tried your had at sprouting, you’ll be looking for recipes to enjoy these delicious sprouts on.
Here are a few we love...
Sprout Spacho
Makes 2 servings.
• 2 cups medium tomatoes
• 2 cups cucumber
• ½ cup alfalfa sprouts
• ½ Tbsp EVOO
• Juice of ½ fresh lemon
• Dash of Salt
Directions: Blend well with the Glass Personal Blender with Vacuum for a creamy blend and enjoy!
Sprout Sandwich
Makes 1 sandwich.
For the dressing:
• 2 Tbsp raw honey or agave
• 2 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
• 2 Tbsp stone ground mustard
For the sandwich:
• 2 pieces sprouted bread
• 1 slice of tomato
• 4 slices of avocado
• ½ cup of fresh leafy sprouts
• 2 Tbsp of honey mustard dressing
Directions: Whisk together all dressing ingredients and set aside. Build your sandwich. Spread on the sauce. Enjoy!
Sprout Salad Bowl
Makes 2 servings
For the salad:
• 1 cup leafy sprouts
• ½ cup lentil or other legume sprouts
• ½ cup diced avocado
• ½ cup diced tomato
• ½ cup diced red or orange bell peppers
• ½ cup diced cucumber
For dressing:
• 2 Tbsp Tamari
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice
• ½ Tbsp chopped garlic (optional)
Directions: Whisk together all dressing ingredients and set aside. In a medium bowl, toss together all ingredients (save sprouts) and 2-3 Tbsp of dressing. In a flat bowl, layer legume sprouts, topped with vegetable mix, and then add the leafy sprouts on top. Enjoy!
Chef Tips for Storage of Sprouts
Sprouts are alive! Store them similarly to living plants. When you harvest and remove from their growing environment, store them in the refrigerator in a container that breathes with space. Try to use them in the first 7 days from harvest for the best flavor. Remember, they can also be blended into dressings, soups, and other savory sauces to boost both the flavor and nutrition for your weekly meal plans.