It's week #2 of May and the focus item is Sprouting Seeds

Last Sunday, I passed out the May Bookmarks.  You might have noticed that I stapled a circular piece of Nylon Screen to the bookmark..  I was asked multiple times what it was for.  Well, let me share the reason why.  We are focusing on Sprouting this week, and we need that little piece of screen....to sprout!

Sprouting wasn't something on my Radar until I was called to be the "Food Storage Queen" of my ward.  As I researched information for the Food Storage classes I taught, and as I learned more about preparedness and the reasons why we should do things, it became very apparent that this should be one of the most important parts of your preparation.  When foods are processed (canned, frozen, dehydrated), most of the Vitamin C and many types Vitamin B and various minerals are either lost or significantly reduced.  Why should that matter to you?

Take the case of the Pilgrims and the Mayflower. 

• Half of the crew died
• 47/101 of the Pilgrims died the 1st year.
• Many died of Scurvy and related diseases.
• They reportedly had Lemon juice on board  as they recognized the need for Vitamin C to avoid Scurvy, but supplies were scant and food spoiled quickly.
• They brought grain for planting but did not sprout it.   
• If they had sprouted their grain, perhaps more would have lived.

So, I realize you are not a Pilgrim....but your body has the same needs as the individuals making the long voyages across the ocean.  If you have food stored, it has been processed, and you will need a fresh source of Vitamins and Minerals.  Sprouts fill this need in your body.

So, let's try out your new "sprouter".  Find a Canning Jar, the screens are cut for a regular-sized opening of a canning jar, not the wide mouth opening.

Place the screen inside of the canning ring.

 
It's now ready to go!
 

 
Put some seeds into the jar for sprouting.  Let me point out something very important.  I usually use a quart sized jar to do this, but I am trying to make a point using a jelly jar, which you will hopefully see later in the week.    I am putting in 1 teaspoon of Alfalfa Seeds. 
 

 
Put the lid (with the screen) on the jar and run some clean water into the jar with the seeds inside.  The water flows right through the screen.
 

 
Rinse your seeds by pouring out the first batch of water.  Your seeds (and later your sprouts) will stay in the jar as you pour out the water.  Next, fill the jar about halfway with clean water.
 

 
See the seeds floating in the jar?
 

 

Cover the jar overnight.  In the morning, dump out the water, rinse the seeds again but do not fill with water.  Just rinse the seeds (and dump out the water) 2-4 times a day. It takes less than a minute to do this.  Keep it by your sink so you see it when you pass by your sink.  I keep a towel over the jar until I see the either sprouts or green leaves appear, then I put the jar in the window.

 

NOW......Your may be surprised by this, but you probably have things you could start this sprouting process with...RIGHT NOW!  Yes, I really mean RIGHT NOW.  If you have any of the following, you can use your new screen to begin sprouting.....RIGHT NOW.

• Lentils
• Pinto Beans
• Kidney Beans
• Wheat
• Spelt
• etc.

Try it ......RIGHT NOW..... and in a few days, you will have healthful, delicious sprouts to put in salads, sandwiches, or just for snacking.  Go get your screen RIGHT NOW and get started!