Simple sprouter

I have a desire for fresh grown vegetables throughout the winter months. I have been very successful with my indoor lettuce but wanted to add something a little different for flavor and nutrition. I found a sprouter at a local store but was shocked at the price of $9.99. The sprouter consisted of a jar and a lid with holes. I knew I could make one of these for next to nothing.


The supplies were simple:

canning jar
lid ring
plastic canvas
scissors
pen

The plastic canvas I purchased at Michael's (a crafting store) for $.79. This was actually the most expensive piece because I purchased the one known as 14 aida which has the smallest holes. I needed the smaller holes for alfalfa sprouts. The larger mesh which costs .39 will do for just about any other seed you may want to try.

In order to make your own sprouter, you place the ring on the plastic canvas, trace around the ring with the pen, and cut just inside the line. It's that simple. To use your new sprouter, you place 1-2 tablespoons of the seeds you would like to sprout into the jar. Now add enough water to cover. (Note: Since I have city water I like to let a pitcher of water sit out on the cupboard to let excess chlorine dissipate.)
Place the plastic canvas top on the jar and screw on the lid ring. Gently swirl the seeds/sprouts and turn the jar upside down to drain. Allow to drain completely upside down for about 5 minutes. Place the sprouts in a warm dark place such as your pantry.


In just a few short days, you will be enjoying fresh sprouts! You can add them to salads, wraps, sandwiches or stir fry. Since my husband claims he is not a sprout eater, I chop them and put them into things such as meatloaf and meatballs...he'll never know I added a little extra nutrtion to things he eats.

In the next post, I will show you how to make a sprouter absolutely free from things you probably already have around the house. It also makes a great recycling project so don't forget to come back next time to My Little Corner of the World. Kim