Growing Alfalfa Sprouts and Microgreens
Alfalfa is an heirloom legume known for its hardiness and versatility. It has been cultivated for thousands of years and is often used as a cover crop to help improve soil quality.
In recent years, alfalfa sprouts and microgreens have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers. They are easy to grow indoors, nutritious, and can add a fresh and crisp flavor to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
Heirloom Legume, Medicago Sativa, known as “Lucerne”
Alfalfa, also known as “lucerne,” is a member of the legume family. It is a hardy perennial plant that can grow up to three feet tall.
Alfalfa has a taproot that can reach down to 20 feet and can survive in a wide range of soil types. It is known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, making it an ideal cover crop for farmers.
Alfalfa Sprouts and Microgreens are Edible and Easy to Grow Indoors
Alfalfa sprouts and microgreens are both delicious and nutritious. The sprouts are grown from germinating alfalfa seeds, while microgreens are grown from the young shoots of the alfalfa plant.
Both are easy to grow indoors and can be harvested in just a few days. To grow alfalfa sprouts, you will need a mason jar, a sprouting lid, and some alfalfa seeds.
You can buy sprouting lids online or make your own using a piece of cheesecloth or a mesh screen. Put one tablespoon of alfalfa seeds in the mason jar and cover them with water.
Leave the jar to soak for eight hours or overnight. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the seeds.
Place the sprouting lid on top of the jar and invert it at a 45-degree angle. This will allow the seeds to drain and air to circulate.
Rinse the seeds twice a day and keep them out of direct sunlight. After three to seven days, your sprouts will be ready to harvest.
To grow alfalfa microgreens, you will need a shallow container, potting soil, and alfalfa seeds. Fill the container with potting soil and scatter the alfalfa seeds on top.
Cover the seeds with a layer of soil and lightly water them. Keep the container in a well-lit spot, but out of direct sunlight.
Water the microgreens once a day and harvest them after five to seven days, when they are two to three inches tall. Alfalfa Sprouts May Carry Salmonella Bacteria, Follow Food Safety Precautions
While alfalfa sprouts are nutritious, they can also carry bacteria.
Salmonella is a common pathogen found in sprouts and can cause foodborne illness. To minimize the risk of contamination, it is important to follow food safety precautions when handling and preparing sprouts.
Before sprouting, rinse the alfalfa seeds with cold running water to remove any debris. Use only seeds that are labeled for sprouting and avoid using farm or cover crop seeds that may have been treated with fungicides or other chemicals.
Use clean tools and surfaces when handling sprouts, and refrigerate harvested sprouts immediately. Discard any sprouts that are slimy or have a funky smell.
Avoid Using Farm or Cover Crop Seeds with Fungicide Coating
Using seeds that are labeled for sprouting is crucial. Farm or cover crop seeds may be treated with fungicides or other chemicals that can be harmful if ingested.
Look for seeds that specify that they are for sprouting or microgreens. Organic seeds are also a good choice, as they are free from synthetic pesticides and other chemicals.
Directions for Sprouting, Growing Microgreens and Where to Buy Seeds
If you are new to sprouting or growing microgreens, there are many resources available to help you get started. Online tutorials and videos can guide you through the process, and there are many seed companies that specialize in sprouting and microgreen seeds.
Some popular companies for sprouting and microgreen seeds include Sprout People, True Leaf Market, and Johnny’s Selected Seeds. These companies offer a wide variety of seeds for sprouting, microgreens, and other crops.
They also offer tips and advice for growing, harvesting, and storing your sprouts and microgreens. Sprout People, for example, offers a comprehensive sprouting guide on their website that includes instructions for sprouting a wide variety of seeds.
They also offer a seed selection guide that can help you choose the best seeds for your needs. True Leaf Market offers a wide variety of microgreen seeds as well as growing supplies and accessories.
Johnny’s Selected Seeds offers a wide variety of sprouting and microgreen seeds, as well as other vegetable, herb, and flower seeds.
Growing Alfalfa Sprouts
Sprouting alfalfa seeds in a mason jar is an easy and convenient way to enjoy fresh sprouts at home. With the right tools and techniques, it is possible to grow nutritious and delicious sprouts in just a few days.
To get started, you will need a mason jar, a sprouting lid, and some alfalfa seeds. Soak the seeds overnight, rinse them twice a day, and keep them out of direct sunlight.
After three to seven days, your sprouts will be ready to harvest. Here are some tips for sprouting alfalfa seeds:
– Use only seeds labeled for sprouting.
Avoid using farm or cover crop seeds that may have been treated with chemicals. – Rinse the seeds well before sprouting to remove any debris.
– Use a sprouting lid made of plastic or stainless steel to minimize the risk of contamination. – Keep your sprouts out of direct sunlight to prevent them from drying out.
– Rinse the sprouts twice a day and refrigerate them after harvesting. – Discard any sprouts that are slimy or have a funky smell.
Conclusion
Growing alfalfa sprouts and microgreens is a fun and easy way to add fresh and nutritious greens to your diet. With the right tools and techniques, you can grow these tasty treats at home and enjoy them in a wide range of dishes.
Follow food safety precautions when handling sprouts and choose seeds that are labeled for sprouting to minimize the risk of contamination. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy delicious and healthy alfalfa sprouts and microgreens all year round.
Growing Alfalfa Microgreens
Alfalfa microgreens are delicious and nutritious, making them a popular choice among health-conscious eaters. They are easy to grow and can be harvested in just a few days.
Microgreens are the young shoots of the alfalfa plant and can be grown in a shallow plastic tray with a soilless growing medium.
Germinating Alfalfa Seeds on a Shallow Plastic Tray with Soilless Growing Medium
To grow alfalfa microgreens, you will need a shallow plastic tray, a soilless growing medium, and alfalfa seeds. Fill the tray with the growing medium, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
Scatter the alfalfa seeds on the surface of the growing medium, making sure they are evenly distributed. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of growing medium and press them down lightly.
Water the tray gently, and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Keep the tray in a warm, well-lit spot, but out of direct sunlight.
Water the tray once a day, being careful not to overwater. After five to seven days, the microgreens should be two to three inches tall and ready to harvest.
Avoid Using Garden Soil or Compost to Grow Microgreens
It is essential to use a soilless growing medium when growing microgreens. Garden soil or compost may contain harmful pathogens, bacteria, or pests that can damage or infect your plants.
These contaminants can lead to poor plant growth, diseases, and food safety risks.
Opt for a Commercially Prepared Soilless Mix
A commercially prepared soilless mix is the best option for growing microgreens. These mixes are free of contaminants and offer an optimal growing environment for your plants.
You can find soilless mixes at your local garden center or online. Look for mixtures that contain ingredients such as peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and coconut coir.
Harvest the Greens with Scissors Above the Soil Line
When your microgreens are ready to harvest, use a pair of clean scissors to cut them just above the soil level. Be careful not to damage the growing medium or neighboring plants.
If you plan to store the microgreens, rinse them thoroughly with cold water, shake off any excess water, and wrap them in a damp paper towel. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Harvesting Tips and Hydroponic Options
When growing microgreens, it is important to harvest them at the right time. If you wait too long, they can become tough and bitter.
If you harvest them too early, they may not have developed their full flavor. To ensure the best quality and flavor, harvest your microgreens when the leaves are fully developed, but the stems are still tender.
This will give you a good balance of flavor and texture. To achieve a continuous harvest of microgreens, you can stagger your plantings by a few days.
This will ensure a steady supply of fresh greens. Another option for growing microgreens is hydroponics.
Hydroponic growing systems use water as the growing medium instead of soil. This method allows you to control the growing environment more precisely and can result in faster growth and higher yields.
Growing microgreens using hydroponics involves using a nutrient-rich solution to support plant growth. The solution is circulated through the roots of the plants, providing them with the necessary nutrients and oxygen.
Hydroponic systems can be purchased commercially or built at home using readily available materials.
Alfalfa Seed Safety and Where to Buy
Alfalfa seeds are often used to grow sprouts and microgreens. They are available in most grocery stores, health food stores, and online retailers.
However, it is essential to select the right seeds for sprouting or microgreen production. Alfalfa seeds may be treated with fungicide or rhizobium bacteria for use in farm or cover crops.
These chemicals are not intended for human consumption and can be harmful if ingested. Farmers use these treatments to protect seeds from pests, diseases, and other environmental stressors.
Therefore, it is essential to avoid using treated seeds for sprouting or microgreen production. Seeds for sprouting and microgreen production are available without treatment and should be labeled as such.
Some popular brands for alfalfa seeds for sprouting include Sprout House, The Sproutman, and Handy Pantry. Many health food stores, specialty food stores, and online retailers carry these brands.
Recommended Brands and Mix Options for Sprouting
When growing alfalfa sprouts, it is essential to select seeds specifically labeled for sprouting and free of pesticides or chemical treatments. Some popular brands include:
– Sprout House
– The Sproutman
– Handy Pantry
– Nature’s Blossom
These brands offer a wide variety of seed types and mixes, including alfalfa seeds, alfalfa clover, alfalfa mung bean, alfalfa fenugreek, and more.
It is recommended to choose a mix based on your personal preference or desired flavor profile. In summary, alfalfa microgreens are easy to grow and offer a flavorful and nutritious addition to salads, sandwiches, and other dishes.
Use a soilless growing medium to avoid contaminants and harvest the greens when they are fully developed but still tender. When purchasing alfalfa seeds for sprouting or microgreen production, it is crucial to choose untreated, pesticide-free seeds from reputable brands.
Cooking with Alfalfa Sprouts and Microgreens
Alfalfa sprouts and microgreens are versatile and flavorful additions to a wide range of dishes. They can add a fresh, crispy texture and a mild, nutty flavor to salads, sandwiches, pizzas, soups, stir-fries, and more.
However, understanding how to use and prepare these greens is essential for enhancing their flavor and texture.
Alfalfa Microgreens are More Mature and Have a More Intense Flavor
Alfalfa microgreens are more mature than alfalfa sprouts and have a more intense flavor. The leaves are fully developed, and the stems are thicker, giving them a crunchier texture.
Due to their heightened flavor profile, microgreens should be used in moderation to avoid overpowering other flavors in a dish.
Use Microgreens Sparingly to Avoid Overpowering Other Flavors
When using microgreens in dishes, it is essential to use them sparingly. A little bit goes a long way, and they can easily overpower other flavors if used in excessive amounts.
It is recommended to start small and gradually increase the amount of microgreens until you achieve the desired flavor and texture. Add Sprouts and Microgreens to Salads, Sandwiches, Pizzas, Soups, Stir-Fries, and Other Dishes
Alfalfa sprouts and microgreens can add flavor, texture, and nutrition to a wide range of dishes.
Here are some ideas for incorporating them into your favorite recipes:
– Add alfalfa sprouts or microgreens to your favorite salad and mix them with other greens, such as lettuce, spinach, or arugula. – Top your sandwiches with alfalfa sprouts or microgreens for a fresh and crispy texture.
– Add alfalfa microgreens to your pizzas just before baking to give them a flavorful crunch. – Sprinkle alfalfa sprouts or microgreens over your soups to add color, texture, and nutrition.
– Mix alfalfa sprouts or microgreens into your stir-fries during the last minute of cooking to add a refreshing touch. Alfalfa Loses Its Flavor and Crispy Texture When Heated, So Add Them After Cooking as a Garnish
While alfalfa sprouts and microgreens add flavor and texture to dishes, they lose their crispy texture and fresh flavor when heated.
Therefore, it is best to add them after cooking as a garnish. This will ensure that they maintain their freshness and flavor, and will add an attractive visual element to your dish.
In summary, alfalfa sprouts and microgreens are versatile and flavorful additions to a wide range of dishes. Microgreens are more mature and have a more intense flavor than sprouts, so they should be used sparingly.
Alfalfa loses its flavor and crispy texture when heated, so it is best to add them after cooking as a garnish. Experiment with incorporating alfalfa sprouts and microgreens into your favorite recipes to add a fresh, crispy touch to your meals.
In conclusion, growing alfalfa sprouts and microgreens at home is an easy and enjoyable way to add fresh and nutritious greens to your diet. Remember to use only seeds labeled for sprouting, avoid using treated seeds, and follow food safety precautions when handling and preparing your sprouts and microgreens.
When cooking, use microgreens sparingly to avoid overpowering other flavors and add them as a garnish after cooking to maintain their crispy texture and fresh flavor. As you embark on your alfalfa growing journey, keep in mind that with patience, attention, and care, you can enjoy fresh and delicious alfalfa sprouts and microgreens all year round.
FAQs:
Q: What kind of soil should I use for my alfalfa microgreens? A: Use a commercially prepared soilless mix for growing your microgreens.
Q: Can I use alfalfa sprouts and microgreens in cooking? A: Yes, you can use alfalfa sprouts and microgreens in a wide range of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, pizzas, soups, and stir-fries.
Q: Is it safe to eat alfalfa microgreens? A: Yes, alfalfa microgreens are safe to eat when grown and handled properly.
Follow food safety precautions when handling and preparing them. Q: How long does it take to grow alfalfa sprouts?
A: It takes between three to seven days to grow alfalfa sprouts. Q: Do alfalfa sprouts and microgreens lose their flavor when heated?
A: Yes, alfalfa sprouts and microgreens lose their crispy texture and fresh flavor when heated, so it’s best to add them as a garnish after cooking.