Author Topic: seed sprouting  (Read 1586 times)

Offline Kbop

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seed sprouting
« on: March 31, 2018, 08:43:38 PM »
some like minded friends of mine and i were having a few beers and chatting last week - the weather discouraged outdoor activities.  One person - a nutritional coach (i don't know what that is) - was lamenting the fact that freeze dried food and canned food didn't have some of the common vitamins people need.
i was kind of surprised, i though that was common knowledge among people who stored food for long periods.  She comes from and is in a Mormon family. 

I keep lots of storage seeds - barley, mung bean, broccoli and i'm always trying new ones.  I can plant it, eat it cooked or make flour or sprout it.
I even use wheat and barley to make fodder for the livestock during the winter to supplement their hay with some fresh green fodder.  its pretty easy.

The thing is, when you sprout a seed it releases a lot of enzymes that convert the starch into simple sugars (this is why you malt grains for beer and other potent potables - it gives the yeast sugar to turn into alcohol).  it also undergoes several other changes as the roots and shoots grow.  add a little light to the mix and you can get a broad range of vitamins and other nutrients.  I plan on making enough for a 'salad' per person every day if i can't get to the supermarket.  the nutrient profiles are well known and people have been eating sprouts for a long time.  one pound or wheat or barley berries will yield about 7-10 pounds of 'salad'.  i usually put a tablespoon or two of seeds into a quart mason jar and it will fill up the jar in a few days.
I think this is a great way to get those 'rare' vitamins during the winter.  like any skill it takes a little practice but is easier than cultivating a plant in a garden by a long shot.
i bought a 50lb bag of barley today for $7 at a local elevator.  that could make hundreds of pounds of salad - barley and most grains can store a long time and still be sproutable.  One piece of advice - silo or bag stored grain should sprout - canned or vacuum sealed may not sprout (it kills the seed).
I thought this was common knowledge.  but, after that conversation, though I would mention it - if you don't store vitamins with your long term storage food or just want fresh greens in the winter, you do have some options.   

Offline Kbop

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Re: seed sprouting
« Reply #1 on: March 31, 2018, 08:50:03 PM »
one safety tip - don't use seed prepared for planting (like 'pink' wheat)  they sometimes treat it with a fungicide you don't want to eat - just get regular feed or field run grain.

Offline JohnyMac

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Re: seed sprouting
« Reply #2 on: April 01, 2018, 08:11:06 AM »
Great post Kbop!

I never grew sprouts to eat myself. I always grew sprouts for my cats and dog around Jan/Feb. They all seem to appreciate the green treat.

Next year/winter I will give it a try though for MrsMac and me. 
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Offline Jackalope

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Re: seed sprouting
« Reply #3 on: April 01, 2018, 08:50:05 AM »
   Sprouts can also be used for supplemental or primary poultry feed.  We purchased a couple of large tray sprouting kits, with the idea that we could sprout enough to keep the chickens fed if store bought feed wasn't available during the winter months.  We went with alfalfa seeds because of the cost for large quantities of seeds.  My wife likes sprouts and so do I, and they're an excellent source of vitamin C during the winter months.

Offline JoJo

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Re: seed sprouting
« Reply #4 on: April 01, 2018, 09:10:06 AM »
 As a joke I was given a Chia Trump so maybe I will try them.
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Offline Rogue-Metalsmith

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Re: seed sprouting
« Reply #5 on: May 07, 2018, 04:17:48 AM »
I think i should mention we have different times for planting etc due to weather mostly. and off course locations.
I planted some carrots and onions and beetroot, and some beans as well as garlic chives seeds two weeks ago.

I am super excited this is my first time making my own vegetable garden.
My onions and carrots are already about 5 mm high popping out of the ground and this weekend i prepped the larger garden beds for them so when they are about 3 months grown i can plant them over as we do get some severe cold and i am weary that they might die in the cold even though according to my research i can plant them now.

That being said, sadly 3 cows were slaughtered at a nearby neighbors farm by thieves and they literally just cut out the rear and side meat of the cows.
This kind of theft seems to be on the rise again lately as our economy is tanking.

I am planning on prepping a cage for chickens soon.

Kind regards
Rm
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Offline JoJo

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Re: seed sprouting
« Reply #6 on: May 07, 2018, 11:57:22 AM »
Quote
I am super excited this is my first time making my own vegetable garden.
My onions and carrots are already about 5 mm high popping out of the ground and this weekend i prepped the larger garden beds for them so when they are about 3 months grown i can plant them over as we do get some severe cold and i am weary that they might die in the cold even though according to my research i can plant them now.



R-M I started my carrots in pots after seeing this video and they are 2 inches high already. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAWlpPAx2nk

 
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Offline Kbop

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Re: seed sprouting
« Reply #7 on: May 07, 2018, 07:32:10 PM »
cool idea JoJo  :thumbsUp:

good luck on the veg RM!

Offline JohnyMac

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Re: seed sprouting
« Reply #8 on: May 08, 2018, 06:34:18 AM »
As kbop wrote, "good luck on the veg RM!"  :cheers:
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Offline Rogue-Metalsmith

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Re: seed sprouting
« Reply #9 on: May 29, 2018, 06:58:25 AM »
Phew. update time.

Thank you for the awesome hints and tips there k-bop.

My carrots beetroot and running beans have also joined the sprouting party, the onions have sprung ahead and are a good (as you guys would say) 2 inches tall allready :pirateThumbUp:

I have been having good sprouting success so i have started my second and third batches in the last few weeks.

My larger garden prep is full swing  :cheers:


RM out.
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Offline Nemo

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Re: seed sprouting
« Reply #10 on: May 29, 2018, 10:54:42 AM »
Well, glad to see you are still around.  And alive.

Nemo
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