So what are sprouts? Why eat them? And mostly importantly, are they safe? Those are all really great questions. Read the breakdown on some of the information out there below and then decide what is best for you and your family.
Sprouts are the mini seedling that shoots out when a seed starts to grow. They grow from the seeds of vegetables, grains, and beans. Sprouts are the first edible shoots and the different variations are unique in taste in texture. They are fully loaded with essential nutrients – vitamins, minerals, and proteins – so they can make a great addition to any diet.
The tricky part with sprouts is that the conditions in which they grow happen to also be the ideal conditions for bacteria to grow. The bad news is that over the years there have been several breakouts of E. Coli and Salmonella. The good news is that because of these breakouts the concern is on the radar and efforts are being made to reduce the risk, but obviously there is no guarantee. There are groups of people who might be at higher risk or more susceptible, for additional safety information follow this link.
Personally, I enjoy sprouts as part of my regular diet and I have for years with no problems. I am choosey about the sprouts I buy making sure they appear white and crisp, any brown or sliminess and they are staying on the shelf. I make sure to eat them almost immediately after buying them since they are highly perishable and won’t last more than a couple days. I also rinse them in cold water with a little bit of white vinegar before I eat them. Sprouting at home is of course also an option. There are all sorts of online resources out there on how to easily do this at home, and honestly after watching this simple how to video (click here) I plan to start sprouting at home.
If you decide to give sprouts a go, alfalfa and broccoli sprouts are a great addition to salads and wraps, adding great taste and texture. Bean sprouts can also be added to salads and wraps; they can also be tossed in a stir fry for 1-2 minutes to add an extra crunch and nutritional punch. I love sprouts because they are fully loaded with nutrients, including antioxidants, they taste great, and they are simple to incorporate into your diet.
Emily