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How To Grow Broccoli Sprouts

Learn How To Grow Broccoli Sprouts at home using 2 methods. Sprouting broccoli seeds is a great way to add microgreens to your lifestyle. 

How to grow microgreens close image of greens.
How to grow broccoli sprouts

Eat the seeds sprouted raw, sprinkle over salads, decorate your cheese dip, or add a bit of extra nutrition to your egg drop soup

Whatever savory dish you’re making, broccoli sprouts are a great addition. 

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Growing Microgreens

Growing microgreens in your house is a fun and easy way to add fresh, nutrient-rich greens to your meals. Microgreens are baby plants harvested just after they sprout when they are only a few inches tall. 

They can be grown from various seeds like broccoli, radish, arugula, and alfalfa sprouts, all packed with vitamins and minerals. 

Out of all, broccoli sprouts are one contain the most healthiness. 

The best part about growing microgreens is that you only need a little space, as they can be grown in small containers on a windowsill or countertop. 

They grow quickly and are ready to harvest in just a few weeks. Not only are they a tasty addition to salads, sandwiches, and smoothies, but they also make for a beautiful and colorful decoration in your home.

With today’s recipe, we will concentrate entirely on broccoli seeds with an easy way to grow them. 

What are Broccoli Sprouts?

Broccoli sprouts are tiny, tender shoots that emerge from broccoli seeds when in the process of germination. They are very young broccoli plants harvested when they are only a few days old before they have developed into full-sized broccoli heads. 

Microgreens vs. Sprouts

Is there a difference between microgreens and sprouts?

Most of the time, those two words are interlinked and used with an exact meaning. 

Sprouts are the greens you are eating as a whole after they have germinated.

Microgreens are only the tops of growing seeds, which you cut, leaving your roots to develop further. 

Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts or Microgreens at Home

There are lots of benefits to having your sprouts grown at home. 

  1. They are versatile in addition to various dishes like salads, sandwiches, smoothies, wraps, and more. 
  2. Broccoli sprouts are quickly grown at home using simple equipment you might already have in your kitchen.
  3. Growing them in your house is extra cost-effective as getting a big packet of seeds costs just a few bucks.
  4.  You have freshly grown produce consistently available.
  5. Their flavor complements every single dish you add them into. Broccoli sprouts do smell like broccoli. 
  6. You can also buy broccoli sprouts without needing them to grow from scratch. Store-bought sprouts are a great option to jump the waiting time, and you can continue growing them at home. 
Growing broccoli sprouts close up of greens.
Broccoli sprouts how to grow

Broccoli Sprouts Nutrition

Broccoli sprouts are easy to grow at home and can be eaten raw or cooked, making them a versatile addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.

They are packed with nutrients and have a unique nutritional profile that sets them apart from other vegetables. One of the most notable compounds in broccoli sprouts is sulforaphane, which has been extensively studied for its health benefits. Sulforaphane is a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation and boost the immune system. 

Compared to the big broccoli, broccoli sprouts contain over 100 times more sulforaphane.

Broccoli sprouts are also a rich source of vitamins and minerals.

Very low in calories and carbohydrates, this is just one of the best we can offer to our body in our lifestyle.

Are Broccoli Microgreens Just Broccoli Seeds?

The way broccoli seeds germinate and grow is as follows.

  1. First, you have the actual Broccoli seeds.
  2. Out of those, broccoli sprouts grow in about 5 to 7 days.
  3. In another 5 to 7 days, you will have your tiny broccoli microgreens ready to cut.
  4. Your baby greens start forming in 15 to 30 days, and you can transfer the sprouts in soil to grow.
  5. Fifty days later, a real mature broccoli head is starting to grow. At this stage, you are ready to harvest the broccoli head.

Each step of the way, you can consume your grown broccoli. Whatever form it is at that particular stage, it can be used for various meals.

Why Not Just Eat Broccoli?

Because sprouts, microgreens, and anything young grown to give you strength in nutrition which is much higher than the actual full-grown vegetable afterward. 

Broccoli sprouts how to grow close up of sprouts.
How to grow broccoli sprouts

How to Pick The Best Broccoli Seeds for Sprouting?

Consider a few points when you are ready to buy broccoli seeds for sprouting.

  • Seed quality – Choose seeds from a reputable supplier specializing in sprouting seeds. Ensure the roots are organic and not treated with chemicals or pesticides.
  • Germination rate – Look for seeds with a high germination rate, the percentage of seeds that will sprout. A germination rate of at least 90% is ideal.
  • Type of broccoli – Several different types of broccoli seeds are available, including Calabrese, De Cicco, and Waltham. Each variety has its own flavor profile, so choose the one that suits your taste preferences.
  • Freshness – Choose as fresh as possible, as older seeds may have a lower germination rate.
  • Storage conditions – Ensure the seeds have been stored in cool, dry conditions to maintain viability.
  • Price – Consider the price of the seeds, but don’t base your decision solely on cost. Quality seeds will produce healthier sprouts and are worth the investment.

How Long Does it Take to Grow Broccoli Sprouts in Your Kitchen?

As mentioned, it depends on the quality of your broccoli seeds and whether you are growing sprouts or microgreens.

Considering good quality seeds, it should take about 5 to 7 days to get your seeds from soaking them to full grown sprouts. Add a few more days, and your microgreens are grown and ready to consume. 

6 Methods to Grow Broccoli Sprouts at Home

Broccoli sprouts can be grown in 6 various ways. 

  • Jar
  • Wood shavings
  • Soil
  • Growing mat
  • Growing paper
  • Sprouting kit

Today, we are going to concentrate on growing sprouts using a plate or baking tray and tissue. 

Using this method, your sprouts will grow vertically into microgreens.

I will also touch on growing sprouts in a mason jar using simple equipment you for sure have in your kitchen. 

How to grow microgreens ready to harvest.
Growing broccoli sprouts

How To Sprout Broccoli Seeds

I will add gadgets for both methods I use to grow them at home. What I usually do, is soak seeds and then use both methods at the same time. In that way, I have raw broccoli sprouts right on my kitchen counter in about 4 days and microgreens a few days later. 

Once you know how to grow them, you will begin to grow more variety of sprouts quickly. Later, you might buy grow lights to ensure your greens grow the best. 

Kitchen gadgets needed:

  • Mini casserole plate
  • Kitchen paper towels
  • Water spray bottle
  • Mason jar with lid
  • Mash cloth 
  • Salad bowl

Ingredients needed:

  • Broccoli seeds
  • Water

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS TO GROW BROCCOLI SPROUT SEEDS

First step: Prepare your seeds

Prepare your seeds and water. Above I have mentioned a few tips on purchasing the best sprouting seeds. I am using 4 tablespoons of broccoli seeds which are split into half for both of the methods. 

How to grow broccoli sprouts ingredients needed.
Broccoli sprouting seeds

Second step: Soak for a day

Add the broccoli seeds into a glass container and cover with water. Close the lid and let soak broccoli seeds in water on your kitchen counter at room temperature for 24 hours. 

How to grow broccoli sprouts washing seeds.
Broccoli sprouting seeds

Third step: Tray method start

Pick one of the mini casserole dishes or a late with edges. Cut a kitchen paper towel to fit your plate. 2 sheets for the base and 2 sheets on top. 

Place paper towel sheets at the base of your plate and spray water to moisten it. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of broccoli seeds that have been soaked, and spread them around the whole area using your hand. 

On top, place another kitchen paper towel and spray that as well to be moist. 

This method of having the seeds in between 2 sheets of paper towel keeps the moisture at all times. At the same time, the seeds are at the warm temperature they need to germinate. 

Throughout the next 2 to 3 days, spray the plate to ensure the paper is always moist. 

Broccoli sprouts how to grow seeding and watering.
How to grow broccoli sprouts

Fourth step: Grow microgreens

After about 2 to 3 days, you will see the sprout growing. This is when you can take the top layer of the paper out. Spray your sprouting seeds again at least twice daily, ensuring they are constantly moist. You will see how beautiful your microgreens are growing day by day. Once you see the small leaves opening, it is time to start enjoying your microgreens. 

Growing broccoli sprouts steps daily growth.
Broccoli sprouts how to grow

Fifth step: Jar method start

After your seeds have been soaked for 24 hours, wash them thoroughly. Place into the mason jar or any other glass jar with an open lid. You need about two tablespoons of broccoli seeds per jar. 

Cover the jar with a mesh or cheese cloth and close the lid. Rinse the seeds once again and let all of the water run out. Using your hands and twisting the jar, try to spread seeds all around the jar. 

Place your jar upside down onto one of the small salad bowl. It should be placed, making sure, that any remaining water can run out. 

How to grow microgreens adding seeds into jars.
Growing broccoli sprouts

Sixth step: Grow sprouts

Rinse your sprouts every day with running water and let the magic of sprouting work it is way. In about 5 days, you will see the fresh sprouts fully grown and ready to enjoy. 

Broccoli sprouting seeds washing jars.
How to grow microgreens

TIPS AND TRICKS:

  • Moist – whatever method you pick, your seeds must always be moist. Once the sprouts are dry, they will stop growing. 
  • Microgreens – are achieved with the plate method.
  • Sprouts – are formed with the jar method. 
  • Sprouting jars – there are various sprouting equipment you can also purchase online if you plan the entire sprouting method regularly. 
  • Location matters – sprouts don’t want to grow in windy, cold areas. Place the jar or a plate onto a warmer part of your kitchen. 
  • Washing – wash your broccoli sprouts every day with fresh water.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Ways to Eat Broccoli Sprouts

Here are some ways to incorporate raw sprouts into your diet:

  • Salads: Harvest the sprouts and add them to your favorite salads for a fresh and crunchy texture.
  • Sandwiches and wraps – Eat sprouts in a sandwich or wrap them as a filling to add crunch and nutrition to your meal.
  • Smoothies – Blend broccoli sprouts into your favorite smoothie for an extra nutrient boost.
  • Toppings – Use broccoli sprouts as a garnish or topping for soups, stews, and other savory dishes.
  • Omelets and scrambled eggs – Add broccoli sprouts to your omelets, cloud eggs, or scrambled eggs for a nutritious breakfast.
  • Stir-fries – Add broccoli sprouts to stir-fries for a crunchy and flavorful addition.
  • Sushi – Use broccoli sprouts to add texture and flavor as a filling for sushi rolls.
Can I Use an Ordinary Jar To Grow Your Own Sprouts?

Yes, you can use an ordinary jar to grow your sprouts. Using a jar is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to grow sprouts at home. 

How do I Store Sprouted Broccoli?

Once you have harvested your broccoli sprouts, storing them properly is essential to maintain their freshness and nutritional value. Here are some tips for keeping sprouted broccoli:

  1. Rinse the sprouts thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean or paper towel.
  2. Store the sprouts in a clean, airtight container. A plastic container with a lid or a resealable plastic bag works well.
  3. Place the container or bag in the refrigerator. The sprouts will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days.
  4. Do not wash the sprouts until you are ready to use them. Excess moisture can cause the sprouts to spoil more quickly.

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Broccoli sprouting seeds close up of greens.
How to grow microgreens

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Yield: 8

How To Grow Broccoli Sprouts

How to grow microgreens close image of greens.

Learn How To Grow Broccoli Sprouts at home using 2 methods. Sprouting broccoli seeds is a great way to add microgreens to your lifestyle. 

Prep Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 3 days
Total Time 3 days 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 Tablespoons Broccoli sprouting seeds
  • Water

Instructions

  1. Prepare your seeds and water.
  2. Add the broccoli seeds into a glass container and cover with water. Close the lid and let soak broccoli seeds in water on your kitchen counter at room temperature for 24 hours. 
  3. Pick one of the mini casserole dishes or a late with edges. Cut a kitchen paper towel to fit your plate. 2 sheets for the base and 2 sheets on top. Place paper towel sheets at the base of your plate and spray water to moisten it. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of broccoli seeds that have been soaked, and spread them around the whole area using your hand. On top, place another kitchen paper towel and spray that as well to be moist. Throughout the next 2 to 3 days, spray the plate to ensure the paper is always moist. 
  4. After about 2 to 3 days, you will see the sprout growing. This is when you can take the top layer of the paper out. Spray your sprouting seeds again at least twice daily, ensuring they are constantly moist.
  5. After your seeds have been soaked for 24 hours, wash them thoroughly. Place into the mason jar or any other glass jar with an open lid. You need about two tablespoons of broccoli seeds per jar. Cover the jar with a mesh or cheese cloth and close the lid. Rinse the seeds once again and let all of the water run out. Place your jar upside down onto one of the small salad bowl.
  6. Rinse your sprouts every day with running water and let the magic of sprouting work it is way. In about 5 days, you will see the fresh sprouts fully grown and ready to enjoy. 

Notes

  • Moist - whatever method you pick, your seeds must always be moist. Once the sprouts are dry, they will stop growing. 
  • Microgreens - are achieved with the plate method.
  • Sprouts - are formed with the jar method. 
  • Sprouting jars - there are various sprouting equipment you can also purchase online if you plan the entire sprouting method regularly. 
  • Location matters - sprouts don't want to grow in windy, cold areas. Place the jar or a plate onto a warmer part of your kitchen. 
  • Washing - wash your broccoli sprouts every day with fresh water.

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Nutrition Information

Yield

8

Serving Size

1/2 Cup

Amount Per Serving Calories 4Total Fat 0gCarbohydrates 0gFiber 0gProtein 1g

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