There's no simple answer, but here we describe some recent research on sprouts and how you can get the maximum health benefits. Growing your own sprouts is a simple way to add fresh greens to your diet, especially in winter. Seeds for Sprouts Seeds of many different vegetables can be sprouted, but the most popular are green leafy kinds such as alfalfa, broccoli, cabbage, clover, kale, radish, and onion. These are best enjoyed raw because they are so tender and delicate. They are best harvested before leaves emerge and are generally eaten cooked.
Most vegetable seeds germinate in three to six days.
Flavor is variable, but assume it will be milder than the mature vegetable. Beans require only one to three days to produce a root, but some seeds, such as onion and garlic, may need up to two weeks to produce edible sprouts. Seed companies and health-food stores sell many kinds of sprouting seed. Sprouting seed differs from garden seed in that it has not been treated with fungicides. Generally, it also germinates well, is open-pollinated, and is cheap.