Food Focus: Sprouts

   By rlerner  Jun 15, 2010
7

In the spring season, seeds flaunt their vitality and energy by sprouting. Sprouts of all varieties contain the building blocks of life in the form of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and simple sugars. In their early growth state, sprouts are very easy to digest, allowing our bodies to access many wonderful nutrients. Recent research by the American Cancer Society has backed what holistic nutrition has known for years: that sprouts contain anti-cancer properties, high levels of active antioxidants, concentrated amounts of phytochemicals and significant amounts of vitamins A, C and D.

 
In their raw form, sprouts have a cooling effect on the body, and therefore are best consumed in warm weather or by robust, warm body types. Those who tend to feel cool can try steaming spouts or adding them to warm dishes such as stir-fries and soups, to reduce the cooling effect. There is a wide variety of edible and delicious sprouts, each with a different texture and flavor: alfalfa, mung bean, lentil, radish, clover, sunflower, broccoli, garbanzo and adzuki.
 
 
 
Here are some great ways to serve up sprouts:
·         Add to salads.
·         Combine with other vegetables in wraps, roll-ups or stir-fries.
·         Use as garnish on top of soups, stews, omelets or scrambled eggs.
·         Add to rice or whole-grain dishes.
·         Use in sandwiches instead of lettuce.
 
 
 
Here is one of my favorite, easiest recipes for sprouts: 
 
Spring Sprouting Steamer                                                            
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
 
 
Ingredients:
1 zucchini
1 summer squash
1 package mixed crunchy sprouts (lentil, adzuki, mung, garbanzo)
3 tablespoons of freshly chopped tarragon
1 tablespoon of ghee (clarified butter) or butter
4 lemon wedges
salt to taste
 
 
Directions:
1. Slice zucchini and summer squash in discs about 1/4 inch thick. Steam with sprouts for about 5 minutes or until desired tenderness.
2. Toss with tarragon, ghee and salt in bowl.
3. Serve with lemon wedge.
Note: Try fresh herbs like parsley, dill, cilantro or mint for a totally different taste.
 
What are some creative ways you can add sprouts to your diet?
 

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Comments
loricm by loricm | Shakopee, MN
Feb 08, 2011

Sprouts are so good, we love them. On our sandwich, in salads and I just read an article about the cooling effect so more great info. Thank you!

jameslicex0 by jameslicex0 | Wayne, MI
Aug 03, 2010

Sprouts are so simple to add to almost anything. I think they relatively have no taste, which is a plus when feeding my family. When in a hurry Jimmy John's is a quick grab that fills you up, is healthy, and the sprouts are included!!!

whelen22 by whelen22 | melbourne, OU
Jun 29, 2010

have you ever tried to get the kids to eat sprouts, just tell them that they are smurfy cabbages is works especially if they have ever watch the smurfs

sbenning5 by sbenning5 | Florence, AZ
Jun 16, 2010

*HAD no idea about the cooling effect. :)

sbenning5 by sbenning5 | Florence, AZ
Jun 16, 2010

I love sprouts in wraps and on sandwiches. I have no idea about the cooling effect, though. Great info!

jlindseyc by jlindseyc | LEXINGTON, KY
Jun 16, 2010

glad you included with scrambled eggs as an idea...I love adding green onion and bean sprouts to my eggs, it's delish!

scully by scully | SAN JACINTO, CA
Jun 15, 2010

I am always looking for new ideas to serve veggies and this looks great