Benefits of Alfalfa Sprouts – Originally grown in South and Central Asia before spreading across the continents, alfalfa microgreens have stood the test of time. Alfalfa sprouts are nourishing and have long been praised as a superior source of proteins, minerals, and vitamins.
Despite belonging to the legume family, alfalfa sprouts are often thought of as herbs. This is likely due to their long history of medicinal uses. Soothing everything from kidney and prostate conditions to arthritis, our knowledge of the health-boosting power of natural alfalfa sprouts is ever-expanding.
By far one of the greatest draws of alfalfa microgreens is the abundance of fiber found at its core. This essential nutrient helps maintain our health and also plays a key role in consistent weight loss. This makes the alfalfa sprout an effective addition to your dieting strategy.
Not only do alfalfa herbs possess a wealth of healing properties they are also incredibly resilient microgreens. Alfalfa shoots typically survive for 4-8 years, but with the right care are capable of thriving for up to 2 decades.
Given its great blend of nutrients and staggering durability, alfalfa sprouts make a superb addition to any garden or greenhouse.
Benefits of Alfalfa sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts are a staple of the rising health movement. This petite microgreen boasts a healthy nutrient profile and a remarkably low-calorie count.
Often used as a herbal supplement, nutrients in alfalfa sprouts include protein and essential vitamins A, C, and K. The vitamin K content packs a serious punch. It is responsible for the healing power of alfalfa herbs. This helps with blood clotting in open-wounds, and accelerating the body’s recovery process. It also promotes calcium absorption, which in turn enhances bone strength.
Alfalfa benefits from a wealth of omega 3 and other minerals including magnesium and iron. This blend of nutrients combat hair loss and promotes the growth of healthy skin and nail tissue.
Recent studies suggest that alfalfa sprouts have many other health benefits. It can help lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar, and even potentially act as a diuretic or detoxification agent to treat urinary tract disorders. However, the benefit of alfalfa sprouts reaches far beyond simply combating disease. More importantly, playing a role in health promotion and prevention of disease.
Alfalfa herbs can help stimulate breast milk production. They are also thought to supplement estrogen levels in menopausal women. This can ease symptoms such as night sweats and hot flushes.
The nutritional value of alfalfa sprouts is a positive addition to weight-loss regimens, loaded with metabolism-boosting goodness and helping increase satiety.
When it comes to bolstering your wellbeing, there’s a long list of potential benefits of alfalfa. Furthermore, their mild, nutty flavor makes alfalfa sprouts a great addition to both your deli sandwich and holistic remedy.
How to grow Alfalfa sprouts at home
Alfalfa plants are champions in both the kitchen and the garden. Not only are they packed with vital nutrients they’re also easily grown and propagated. They are one of the most resilient microgreens on the market, tolerating a range of conditions. Novice and expert gardeners alike can easily figure out how to grow alfalfa sprouts at home. This makes it the perfect project to involve the kids.
Begin by rinsing one tablespoon of alfalfa seeds, ensuring to remove any fragmented ones. Bear in mind that one tablespoon of seeds yields one and a half cups of alfalfa sprouts.
For the best results, grow your alfalfa sprouts in a jar, as the container will create the perfect micro climate to support your sprouting alfalfa plant. Cover with a porous fabric such as cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band. Leave to soak in cold water.
After a few hours, drain the water completely to ensure good ventilation so that the seeds do not rot. Once drained, place your jar in a warm, dark room. Repeat the soaking and draining cycles every 8 hours.
When tails begin to form, this means you’re almost done growing your own alfalfa sprouts. This typically takes 3 days. At this point, you can transfer your container into an area with plenty of sunlight.
Once the sprouts turn green, your alfalfa harvesting can begin, and you can immediately add to sandwiches or salads. If you don’t need to use your sprouts right away, store in an airtight container in your fridge, where they will keep for up to 1 week.
Alfalfa sprouts recipes
Growing alfalfa sprouts at home can be an inexpensive way to access vast nutritious microgreen benefits. Adding crunchy, organic flavor to meals, alfalfa sprouts are already widely popular in oriental dishes. With so many diverse options, they are becoming a welcome addition to many kitchens the world over.
Add alfalfa sprouts to a hearty summer salad and top with fresh herbs and a tangy dressing to create the perfect snack for warmer seasons.You can even toast the sprouts in the oven for up to two minutes to give them an extra-crispy texture.
The nuttiness of alfalfa sprouts makes them a perfect ingredient for vegan cookery. Chefs often use them to add texture and flavor to meals. If you’re cooking alfalfa sprouts, for example in a stir fry or soup, make sure to add them in at the very end to prevent wilting and preserve crunchiness. They do not need anymore than 30 seconds.
Alfalfa sprout sandwiches are another excellent way to incorporate the microgreens’ distinct taste. Combine tender alfalfa sprouts with tomatoes, fresh basil, mayonnaise, salt and pepper. Layer onto whole wheat bread or wraps, with lettuce and mustard for a healthy lunchtime meal.
However, recipes for alfalfa sprouts aren’t limited to solids. Many health-conscious people are adding the super green to their favorite smoothies and juices. One popular combination is an infusion of the full-bodied taste of alfalfa herbs with the bursting fruitiness of strawberries.
Regardless of how eat it, the benefits of alfalfa sprouts can elevate simple dishes and keep you full for longer, preventing impulsive snacking.
We also have a video series on alfalfa sprouts that you can watch. Check out the full series on our Youtube channel and subscribe for more gardening and sprouting videos.
You must be logged in to post a comment.