Growing Quinoa Sprouts

Yields approximately 1 Cup (1/2 lb.) of Sprouts

Seed Prep Measure out 2/3 Cup of seed* Rinse your seeds to remove dust or plant debris - and saponins. Saponins are a natural occurring compound found in higher concentrations in Quinoa which may result in an allergic reaction - including feeling ill. For most of us all they do is make the water sudsy and a bit thick which can make sprouting less easy, so run water through your Quinoa for a while, until the water runs clear and the suds pretty much subside. Please be aware that Quinoa Sprouts are not for everyone.

Soak Transfer your seeds - if necessary - into your Sprouter, or a bowl. Add 2-3 times as much cool (60-70 degree) water. Mix seeds up to assure even water contact for all. Allow seeds to Soak for 20-30 minutes. You don't really even need to Soak Quinoa, but it speeds it up a little to do so.

Sprouting Empty the seeds into your Sprouter (if necessary). Drain off the soak water. You can use it - it has nutrients in it.

Rinse thoroughly with cool (60-70°) water. Drain thoroughly.

Always be sure to Drain very thoroughly. The most common cause of inferior sprouts is inadequate drainage. Even the best designed Sprouting Device holds water, so pay special attention to this step.

Set your Sprouter anywhere out of direct sunlight and at room temperature (70° is optimal) between Rinses. This is where your sprouts do their growing. We use a counter top - in the corner of our kitchen, but where the sprouter won't get knocked over by cats, dogs, kids or us. We don't mind the indirect sunlight or the 150 watts of incandescent light, because light just does not matter much. These Sprouts will never have leaves, and a plant can only perform photosynthesis when it has leaves. Until then light has little if any effect, so don't hide your sprouts. Plus, they like air-circulation.

Rinse and Drain again in 8-12 hours. And, once more... Rinse and Drain again in 8-12 hours. And, perhaps once more... Rinse and Drain in 8-12 hours.

We stop - usually sooner - but definitely no later than here. We like our Quinoa sprouts small. Typically, we sprout for just 2-3 Rinse and Drain cycles. At that point most of the seeds will have sprouted tiny roots. That's the way we like Quinoa sprouts.

Depending on your climate and the time of year you are sprouting and most importantly your personal preference - You may Rinse and Drain again at 8-12 hour intervals for several days. We Do Not recommend doing so, unless you're doing a science experiment. Grow them for as long as you like. As long as you continue to Rinse and Drain every 8-12 hours.

Note: Quinoa can be sprouted quite a bit longer but it's texture changes profoundly, going from a soft crunchy sprout to a very soft sprout. If you sprout it long you'll have to use it soon as it won't keep well. Experiment! Have Fun! It's All Good - if occasionally inedible @;-D

As always, we suggest that you taste your crop at EVERY Rinse - including the very first - just after the Soak period. The soaked seeds are already alive and super nutritious - and - they are without enzyme inhibitors (a very good thing indeed!) so they'll digest themselves and nourish you. So taste them often and find out for yourself when they are most delicious! That's when they're done.

Harvest Your sprouts are done 8-12 hours after your final Rinse. Be sure to Drain them as thoroughly as possible after that final Rinse. The goal during the final 8-12 hours is to minimize the surface moisture of your sprouts - they will store best in your refrigerator if they are dry to the touch.

Refrigerate Transfer your sprout crop to a plastic bag or the sealed container of your choice and put them in your refrigerator. We offer Produce Storage Bags that will extend shelf life substantially. Note: Quinoa - when sprouted very short - can make it in refrigeration for up to 2 weeks. When sprouted longer expect less. If you can use 'em fresher we think you'll like them better.

*Seed to Use

* If using Sproutpeople's Single Harvest Pack - use the whole bag. It will produce a crop of approximately 8 ounces.

These seeds will yield approximately 1.5:1 (you get 1.5 pounds for every pound of dry seed), so in theory you can start with up to as 2/3 as much dry seed as your Sprouter has capacity. We generally advise maxing out at 1/2 capacity, until you get used to growing a particular crop.