sprouting

Sprouting seeds is a good way to transform dried foods into fresh foods, sprouting reduces anti-nutritional compounds in raw legumes making more of their nutrients available. Microgreens are germinated legumes grown up to 10cm, microgreens contain considerably higher levels of vitamins and carotenoids, about five times greater than their mature plant counterparts.

Sprouting offers a constant, and reliable supply of fresh and healthful food. Dry seeds last a long time, and take up little space. Sprouting is also a good way to cut down on cooking time, thus saving fuel.

On the boat, we sprout lentils, radish and fenugreek. To learn more about growing food aboard a sailboat, we recommend:

• Sailing the Farm, Ken Neumeyer
• Sprouting Guide, Thomas E. Billings

Sprouting lentils

• Soak 1/3 cup of lentils overnight.
• Move into an upside-down jar covered with a mesh to drain water.
• Rinse every morning, enjoy fresh greens daily.

Microgreens

We experimented with growing microgreens. As always, lentils perform best over other seeds.