Lentil Sprouts

Creating a Lentil Sprout for Your Dinner Plate

For some, lentil sprouts conjure images of health foods and natural diets. Others may not quite understand the difference between a lentil sprout and other vegetables like broccoli or spinach. No matter what culinary background one has, figuring out where exactly the lentil sprout ends up on our dinner plates can be a bit of a mystery. The sprouting of lentils provides an interesting journey of nutrient-rich and delicious nourishment, but how exactly do they to end up there?

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the processes involved in bringing lentil sprouts to our dinner plates. From the initial soaking process and careful drying techniques, to the subsequent growth of the sprouts themselves and the variety of ways to enjoy them, we’ll explore the science behind producing nutrient-rich lentil sprouts.

Draining, Soaking & Drying

To begin the creation of a lentil sprout, the process begins with cleaning and draining. This involves washing the lentils carefully, removing any debris and discarding damaged ones that may be present. This is important because debris can potentially interfere with the quality of the sprouts. The lentils should be rinsed thoroughly in cold water and then drained.

The next step is to soak the lentils. They should be completely submerged in about 4? of water. The amount of water needed depends on how many lentils you’re prepping for sprouting. To speed up the time needed to reduce the level of phytic acid, and to ensure better hydration which will ensure maximum sprout growth, a buffer such as liquid kelp or hydrogen peroxide can be added to the water. The amount of time they’re soaked depends on the size of the lentils, but the general rule of thumb is 1 part lentil to 4 parts water and 6-8 hours of soaking time.

Once they have finished soaking, it is important to rinse the lentils and inoculate with an appropriate bacterial culture before spraying. This can include bacterial species such as Lactic Acid Bacteria for optimal flavor and nutrition. After rinsing, the lentils are spread on a cloth or finely woven basket before drying in a cool and dry place. The key is to keep the lentils at a temperature of 20°–30°C (68°–86°F). This can take anywhere from 8 to 12 hours, until the lentils are completely dry.

Growing & Harvesting

Once the lentils have been soaked and dried, it is time for the growing phase. This involves transferring the lentils to a sprout bed and covering them with a layer of soil. The bed should be kept moist using a watering can and the lentils should be kept at a temperature of around 20°–30°C (68°–86°F). During this stage, the roots of the sprouts will start to grow and after 7- 10 days, they should be ready to harvest.

When the sprouts have reached the desired size, they should be harvested quickly to prevent any further growth. It is important to ensure that the beds are well aerated during the growing process, to ensure optimal growth.

Once the sprouts are ready, they can be dried and stored or eaten fresh. If they are to be dried, the lentils should be spread into a thin layer and left to dry in the sun. If you want to keep the lentils for storage, they should be dried for about two weeks before packing them into sealed containers and storing them in a cool, dry place.

From the Garden to the Plate

Now that the lentil sprouts are ready for picking and eating, it is time to think about how best to enjoy them in your meals. Lentil sprouts can be added to almost any dish – from salads to smoothies, grains and everything in between. They are simple and straightforward to prepare, and make a delicious addition to any chef's repertoire.

You can sprinkle the sprouts in your salads and sandwiches or lightly sauté them as a side dish. You can also add them to soups and stews, as well as omelets and stir-fries. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, you can even make them into dosa, an Indian-style crepe. Dried sprouts can also make great snacks that can be eaten on the go.

Lentil sprouts are an excellent source of plant-based proteins, as well as dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. So no matter how you decide to consume them, you can rest assured that you are getting a nutritiously valuable meal!

Conclusion

Lentil sprouts offer a variety of amazing health benefits that make them a great addition to anyone’s diet. Their journey from the garden to our dinner plates is equally as impressive. To create a nutrient-rich sprout that is sure to add some flavor and nutrition to your meals, start by draining, soaking and drying your lentils. Follow that with proper cultivation and a drying process and you're sure to have delicious and nutritious lentil sprouts ready to enjoy.