Clean is Good

All that you really need to know is noted on the Sprouter information pages, but we will put it here too.

Basically you should sterilize your Sprouter as often as you can. We do this rarely in our home Sprouters, but when we grew professionally we sterilized in between EVERY CROP (and we used a high bleach concentration). It is always best to have a clean Sprouter - that way your crop will have a head start.

For years we suggested soaking your Sprouter for 10-20 minutes in bleach water (1 Tbs. of bleach per pint of water is good and strong according to the FDA and local Health Department.) and then scrubbing thoroughly. But, we try to stay away from bleach these days - which is partly why we just use soap and water for the most part.

You can also use food-grade Hydrogen Peroxide, and some folks like Grapefruit Seed Extract. We might even be selling something by now. Whatever works for you is fine. As long as your sprouts are growing well your Sprouter is clean. If you start to have problems, and you know you have good seed (which you know if you buy your seed from us), you should sterilize your Sprouter straight away - that may very well get you back on track.

With a few of our Sprouters (SproutMaster for example) you may need to poke some seeds out of some tight places. We use a paper clip or toothpick for this task.

Whatever you use to clean your Sprouter, be sure to rinse it all out before starting your next crop.

The Basics of Sprouting:

• Seed Storage: Keeping your dormant seeds happy.
• Soaking: Turning a dormant seed into a nutritional powerhouse.
• Rinsing: Water is the key ingredient in sprouts. Use it liberally.
• Draining: It is essential that sprouts be drained thoroughly after rinsing. Sitting in a puddle is the most common cause of crop failure.
• Air Circulation: If your sprouts can’t breathe while growing - they can die. Don’t put them in a closed cabinet.
• Greening: Photosynthesis is cool, and so is Chlorophyll, but not all sprouts are into it, nor is it necessary. Sprouts of all colors are packed with flavor and nutrition!
• Cleanliness: Your seed should be clean and your sprouting device should be sterile. Wash your sprouter well between crops. Sterilize when necessary.
• Storage: Properly stored, fresh sprouts will keep for up to 6 weeks in your refrigerator but fresher is better. Never refrigerate wet sprouts.
• Eat More Sprouts! Grow More Often!