Besides the alfalfa and mung bean sprouts commonly sold in most grocery stores, barley, buckwheat, corn, garbanzo beans, lentils and soybeans are among the other types of seeds that can be sprouted. This circular provides information about what types of seeds to sprout, different methods for germination, how to grow each type of seed sprout, and how to care for and store sprouts. Compared to almost any other fresh vegetable, homegrown sprouts are a bargain.
Sprouts are low in calories and fat and are a source of vitamin C, folacin, iron and magnesium.
They have been a popular ingredient in Asian cooking for more than 5,000 years. Over the last 20 years, Americans have discovered that sprouts can add extra crunch and nutrition to salads, sandwiches, stir fry and casseroles. Buy the best quality seeds for sprouting. Never use garden seeds, as they have often been treated with fungicide or other pesticides. Your local health food store, coop or grocery store often carries seeds for sprouting.