Wondering how to grow broccoli sprouts in trays? It’s a lot like growing sprouts in jars, but trays allow you to get even more sprouts in almost the same amount of space.
For instance, the sprouting kit I use (below), has three growing levels, and only it takes up one square foot of counter space.
You’ll see the complete process for growing broccoli sprouts. I hope this inspires you to start growing your own sprouts, which are extremely nutritious food you can have in just a few days.
Health Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts
There are so many health benefits when it comes to broccoli sprouts. One of the biggest draws is how rich it is in sulforaphane (SFN) — an organic compound found in broccoli sprouts and other cruciferous veggies. [source]
Broccoli sprouts contain higher concentrations of sulforaphane than their mature counterparts. Just some of SFN benefits include it being:
- Anticancer
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
- and Promoting Detoxification [source]
Grow Broccoli Sprouts Safely
Before we begin, there are certain precautions you’ll want to take before growing your sprouts at home.
You’ll find safety measures for sprouting here. Please be sure to review them before sprouting your seeds.
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What’s Needed To Grow Broccoli Sprouts In Trays?
Personally, I like to buy kits that have everything I need to get started. That’s why I purchased, and now recommend, this 3-tray stackable seed sprouter by Handy Pantry.
Stackable Tray Sprout Garden by Handy Pantry
Besides the sprouter, you’ll need broccoli seeds. Here’s where I get mine:
Optional:
You might also want to purchase a sprouting lid. Although we’re sprouting in trays, you’ll need to soak your seeds overnight and then drain the water the next day. If you have a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, you can use that to strain out the water instead.
- Sprouting lid (Fits wide-mouth mason jars, both quart and half gallon size)
Instructions for Growing Broccoli Sprouts In Trays
(Note: If you’d rather watch this process from beginning to end, check out the YouTube video on growing broccoli sprouts.)
- Add 6 TBSP of broccoli seeds to a container with a lid. (This is 2 TBSP for each sprouting tray). Fill the container halfway with filtered water and attach the lid.
- Place your container out of direct sun and let it soak overnight. Drain the water the next day.
- Add 2 TBSP broccoli seeds to each sprouting tray (the one with the holes in the bottom). Rinse your seeds and then spread the seeds evenly over the tray surface.
- Stack your trays and then place your sprouter in an open air environment such as the top of the counter.
- Rinse your seeds twice a day — once in the AM and once in the PM. To rinse, run water over your seeds and then gently swirl the tray until the water goes out the bottom. (It’s like gold panning if you’ve ever done that. 🙂 )
- Continue the rinsing process (twice daily) for about 4 to 6 days. Sprouts are typically a couple of inches long when ready.
- Give your broccoli sprouts a final rinse. Dry them with paper towels or a salad spinner.
- Place your sprouts in a container or plastic bag and refrigerate. Eat your sprouts within 7 days.
Optional Steps:
Before drying your broccoli sprouts (step 7), you can remove the remaining seeds and seed shells (this is a personal preference). Break up the sprouts with your hand, rinse and then drain the water out to remove the seeds. Repeat as many times as you’d like.
You can green up your sprouts before drying them and putting them in the refrigerator. Simply leave your sprouts uncovered in a sunny area, such as a windowsill, for about 30 minutes to an hour.
Growing Broccoli Sprouts In Trays Video
How to Grow Broccoli Sprouts in Trays
Broccoli sprouts are extremely nutritious. This step-by-step guide shows you how to grow broccoli sprouts in trays so you can produce 3 levels of sprouts in just one square foot of counter space.
Materials
Instructions
- Add 6 TBSP of broccoli seeds to a container with a lid. (This is 2 TBSP for each sprouting tray). Fill the container halfway with filtered water and attach the lid.
- Place your container out of direct sun and let it soak overnight. Drain the water the next day.
- Add 2 TBSP broccoli seeds to each sprouting tray (the one with the holes in the bottom). Rinse your seeds and then spread the seeds evenly over the tray surface.
- Stack your trays (see video) and then place your sprouter in an open air environment such as the top of the counter.
- Rinse your seeds twice a day -- once in the AM and once in the PM. To rinse, run water over your seeds and then gently swirl the tray until the water goes out the bottom.
- Continue the rinsing process (twice daily) for about 4 to 6 days. Sprouts are typically a couple of inches long when ready. (Watch the video if you want to see what I had on day 5.)
- Give your broccoli sprouts a final rinse. Dry them with paper towels or a salad spinner.
- Place your sprouts in a container or plastic bag and refrigerate. Eat your sprouts within 7 days.
Notes
Optional Steps
- Before drying your broccoli sprouts (step 7), you can remove the remaining seeds and seed shells (this is a personal preference). Break up the sprouts with your hand, rinse and then drain the water out to remove the seeds. Repeat as many times as you'd like.
- You can green up your sprouts before drying them and putting them in the refrigerator. Simply leave your sprouts uncovered in a sunny area, such as a windowsill, for about 30 minutes to an hour.
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