A transfer of the fully-swollen grains, legumes, or seeds to a colander facilitates subsequent rinsing while providing sufficient space for the emerging shoots. Although commercially available, sprouting devices can be fashioned from various household items. Most grains, legumes, and seeds sprout easily in a wide-mouth jar. Stretch a clean nylon or cheese cloth over the opening, then secure it with a rubber band to create a strainer. The tilt also allows more sprouts to layer evenly along the base side of the jar.
Some containers are simply unsuitable for sprouting.
Iron rusts, and aluminum and copper may generate a toxic effect. Cadmium and lead sulfate from low-fired earthenware pose a potential health hazard, too. Soak the grains, legumes or seeds overnight in one bag, then transfer them to the other for rinsing. Use of a shallow receptacle is particularly appropriate for sprouting mucilaginous seeds such as chia, cress, and flax. Because they become sticky in the presence of water, modification of the basic procedure yields best results.