Re: Homegrown sprouted/microgreen vegetables - Higher nutrition-NO PESTICIDES!
Posted: Thu May 02, 2019 2:58 pm
Just discovered that sprouting and micro garden seeds should probably be disinfected prior to use. I don't know if this is a major concern as you don't really hear about people getting sick from eating sprouts and there are not any warnings on the seed packages. I suspect the majority of seeds are disinfected (probably with UV light) prior to packaging. In any case, it is likely a VERY good idea to do at home prior to sprouting based on the research I have been doing. I have not been disinfecting mine but will be from now on. There are two common ways to disinfect sprouting seeds:
First, you can disinfect the outside of the seeds with a mild bleach solution, or use a solution of 2 TBSP cider vinegar in one cup of water. Soak 1 TBSP of seed in the disinfecting solution for 10-15 minutes. Drain and rinse until you no longer smell vinegar. I personally don't use bleach.
There is another highly effective, simple, effortless option:
I am going the use of a UV-C light sterilizer to disinfect the seeds which actually may be the best overall option. I currently use one of these setups for my home a/c system. The lights are relatively inexpensive, work fast and are supposed to be highly effective and what they are designed to do - destroy germs without chemicals. And you can treat the seeds while they are dry and easy to handle.
I have also decided to get the Easygreen system I described previously as the cleaning of seeds through the growing process is extremely important but somewhat time consuming and the Easygreen system does this automatically with constant cleaning with each cycle (typically around 6-8 per day, manually adjustable) with a FRESH water mist and of course full/constant drainage. The trays I have been using work well but risk contamination from one tray to another and frankly is not a very sanitary method as the sprouts are not well rinsed - two cups of water passing through the 4 trays is probably inadequate. The mason jars work great but can require a lot of rinsing time if you rinse them properly. Of course, it depends on how much your are making.
Pretty sad that not only have store bought vegetables been found on occasion to have contamination but even vegetables seeds can become contaminated contaminated. Our entire food supply basically is not totally safe. Because of the volume of food being produced and processed, it does not appear to be a major issue/concern, yet there are always scares and recalls of some type in the news. Better safe than sorry...
First, you can disinfect the outside of the seeds with a mild bleach solution, or use a solution of 2 TBSP cider vinegar in one cup of water. Soak 1 TBSP of seed in the disinfecting solution for 10-15 minutes. Drain and rinse until you no longer smell vinegar. I personally don't use bleach.
There is another highly effective, simple, effortless option:
I am going the use of a UV-C light sterilizer to disinfect the seeds which actually may be the best overall option. I currently use one of these setups for my home a/c system. The lights are relatively inexpensive, work fast and are supposed to be highly effective and what they are designed to do - destroy germs without chemicals. And you can treat the seeds while they are dry and easy to handle.
I have also decided to get the Easygreen system I described previously as the cleaning of seeds through the growing process is extremely important but somewhat time consuming and the Easygreen system does this automatically with constant cleaning with each cycle (typically around 6-8 per day, manually adjustable) with a FRESH water mist and of course full/constant drainage. The trays I have been using work well but risk contamination from one tray to another and frankly is not a very sanitary method as the sprouts are not well rinsed - two cups of water passing through the 4 trays is probably inadequate. The mason jars work great but can require a lot of rinsing time if you rinse them properly. Of course, it depends on how much your are making.
Pretty sad that not only have store bought vegetables been found on occasion to have contamination but even vegetables seeds can become contaminated contaminated. Our entire food supply basically is not totally safe. Because of the volume of food being produced and processed, it does not appear to be a major issue/concern, yet there are always scares and recalls of some type in the news. Better safe than sorry...