Sprouts can be grown indoors in jars or trays, but their warm, moist growing conditions can also allow harmful bacteria to multiply. This video introduces the basic process; follow current food-safety guidance and the directions supplied with your sprouting seed and equipment.
Choose Seed Labeled for Sprouting
Use seed specifically packaged and labeled for food sprouting. Garden seed is not automatically suitable for this purpose. Check the individual product listing and package for soak time, rinsing, temperature, and storage instructions.
Basic Jar Method
- Wash your hands and clean and sanitize the jar, lid, screen, and utensils.
- Measure and soak the seed according to its package directions.
- Drain thoroughly, then rinse and drain on the schedule specified for that crop.
- Avoid cross-contamination from raw foods, pets, soil, dirty surfaces, or unclean water.
- Refrigerate finished sprouts promptly and discard any batch with an off odor, slime, or visible mold.
Food-Safety Precautions
Raw and lightly cooked sprouts are a known source of foodborne illness. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems to avoid raw sprouts. Cooking sprouts thoroughly reduces risk. Rinsing and home sanitation do not guarantee that contaminated seed is safe.
Review the FDA's current sprout and food-safety guidance and our detailed home sprouting guide.
Browse Sprouting Seeds and verify the current handling and package information on each listing.
