Sprouts - A Food Accessible to Most

By Melba Rabinowitz

The following article on sprouting, written by Organic Farm Co-owner Melba Rabinowitz, was first published in the Food Security Network of Newfoundland and Labrador's online newsmagazine, 2004 edition, No.2, Fall. Involving Children in Food Security Activities The important role of children in food gathering and food security has been lost. When I was a preschool child growing up in Tennessee, I fed the chickens, gathered the eggs, picked beans, shelled beans, picked up pecans from the huge pecan trees, etc. It is hard to describe the sense of pride and responsibility I felt in being asked to help the same way that children in Newfoundland were asked to help with "making fish." Even as a small child, it was impossible to have the experience of seeing the voluptuous tomatoes, corn and watermelons that grew from such tiny, tiny seeds, without knowing there is was an energy greater than ourselves. Few children have this opportunity today unless their families have a family garden or are involved in a community garden. Growing sprouts is a simple way to provide children one aspect of this experience. I have a dream that children will learn to make and eat sprouts in preschool, kindergartens and after school programs through out the province. Then, after children are hooked on growing sprouts, we can begin to provide sprout kits for them to take home. I am sure local service groups would contribute the small amount of money required to provide sprouting materials for children in their community. Why Sprouts? Sprouts are a cheap, nutritious and versatile source of foods. Most beans found in the bulk buying bins in the supermarket will sprout. Packaged chick peas, beans and alfalfa seeds can also be used. And, health food stores such as Food For Thought in St. John's, carry seeds specifically for sprouting. Do not used seeds sold for gardens. Most are treated with pesticides and are unsafe to eat. When my son was four, he loved sprout sandwiches. At preschool, we made funny face sandwiches, spreading bread or buns with cream cheese, peanut butter or cheese spread, then used raisins, carrot sticks, etc for eyes, nose or eyebrows. Sprouts made wonderful hair and the children gobbled them up. Today, in the family kitchen, we sprinkle sprouts in salads or soups, knowing they are low in calories, easy to digest and extremely nutritious. The Organic Farm provides sunflower, radish, alfalfa and pea sprouts to a small number of high end restaurants. At the August folk festival in St. John's, the Food Security Network made up sprout kits using a jar or yogurt container, cheesecloth and a rubber band. Along with this, went the directions for growing sprouts and four tablespoons of mung beans. This winter, we hope to introduce a sprout growing program in an after school program at a local community centre. We invite you to join the sprouting brigade! Nutritious? Yes. Through the miracle of germination, thiamin increases five-fold and niacin content doubles. Vitamin C, E and carotene increase. In fact, the vitamin C content becomes as rich as that in tomatoes. Sprouting breaks down the stored protein into amino acids which is a basic building block for our bodies. In 1940, the United States Army sponsored a full investigation on sprouted seeds, studying their usefulness as food. During World War I, the British Army sprouted beans to ward off scurvy in the trenches. When building the trenches, they calculated the sprouting area needed to feed a battalion. Easy? Yes. Most people may think that growing sprouts is difficult. In fact, we have very little to do with the process. All we have to do is set up the opportunity for the miracle of growth. The urge to germinate is nature's way of surviving. The key is to soak the beans overnight/ Then, place them inside the jar, cover them with cheesecloth. The cheesecloth or a well punctured lid makes it easy to rinse and drain. Rinse them a few times per day. Simply observe. If some seeds are not attempting to sprout after a few days, remove them gently. If they do not sprout at all, the seeds may be too old, try a different set. Sprouts do not have to be kept in the dark as previously thought, but avoid direct sunlight. Your sprouts should be ready to eat in 5 to 7 days. Growing In Soil This year a young woman from Quebec introduced the Organic Farm to growing sunflower sprouts in a few inches of top soil. In 7 to 10 days, the sprouts were 3 to 5 inches high. We cut the sprouts with scissors, put the roots in the compost and used the soil to start over. More recently, we are growing pea sprouts in soil. These are the best yet! They taste like freshly grown peas. All you need for is top soil and an old pan or tray with sides. Soak the seeds or peas 2 or 3 days, rinsing them often, until they start to swell and form a tiny foot. Place about 2 inches of soil on the bottom of the pan and cover the swelling seed with another inch of soil. Spread them 2 or 3 inches apart. Press gently and keep moist by covering the tray with plastic wrap until the growing is under way. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again! Partially formed sprouts have a fresh, crunchy taste. Some children eat sprouts at this stage. Keep several different batches going at a time. Keep the Movement Going! As you become more confident, add sprouts to your egg salad sandwiches for your church group and give sprouting kits for wedding gifts. Make sprouting kits for your local day care or kindergarten and offer to help the teacher and children set up an activity. If you need more information, try the Internet or your local library. Or E-mail the FSN office for a copy of the sprouting directions developed for the folk festival. Good Luck and Stay in Touch. Write the News Magazine and tell us what you are doing to involve children in the important experience of growing their own food. - Melba Rabinowitz We have a variety of Organic Sprouting Seeds Available! Including Alfalfa, Radish, Lentils, Flax, Sunflower, Peas, Broccoli, Cabbage, etc... We also have Sprouting Kits! Includes mason jar, 3 kinds of sprouting seed, cheesecloth, rubber bands, and instructions. $3.00

The Organic Farm 42 Churchills Road Portugal Cove - St. Phillip's, NL A1M 2P6 Canada (709) 895-2884 Map OrganicFarm@NL.Rogers.Com Copyright © LFR 2008

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