Broccoli sprouts are crisp and refreshing and can also fight cancer - a step-by-step guide to growing them

Everyone can buy green broccoli in the supermarket, and it is very good for your health. The seed sprouts of broccoli contain a higher level of the anti-cancer compound sulforaphane - several times more than ordinary cauliflower - so many people grow some broccoli sprouts themselves to make salads and cold dishes.

Growing broccoli seed sprouts yourself is not difficult - we have introduced how to make sprouts before and demonstrated how to sprout mung beans. Today we will specifically talk about two ways to grow broccoli seed sprouts. Everyone should get hands-on right away - not only can you eat them and fight cancer, but they can also green up your home environment.

Method one for growing broccoli seed sprouts: water culture method

Growing broccoli sprouts is as simple as sprouting beans as usual. Just first buy better seeds (natural, untreated ones), then find a glass bottle and you can begin.

1. Put the seeds into a glass bottle, add water to cover the seeds, and soak for 6-12 hours.

2. Strain off the water, rinse with clean water, drain well (to avoid the seeds getting moldy), then put the seeds back into the bottle and place it in a cool, shaded place.

3. Repeatedly rinse the seeds 2-3 times every day. During this time you can roll the bottle to let the seeds spread out inside the bottle.

TheNaturePlanet tip: Most people wait 4-5 days until the seeds have fully sprouted before eating them. However, according to the latest research, scientists say that 48 hours after the first rinse and draining, the sulforaphane content is at its highest.

4. When the sprouts are about 2 cm long, put the bottle in a place with light, and continue rinsing and draining until the sprouts turn green.

5. Find a large bowl, fill it with water, put the green sprouts in, stir gently so the seed hulls float to the surface, and just scoop out these hulls. If you are not going to eat them right away, you can put the sprouts back into the bottle or another container and take it to the refrigerator for cold storage.

Method two for growing broccoli seed sprouts: soil culture method

Materials and tools needed: a container more than 2 cm deep that can hold soil, broccoli seeds

Key growing points: Put potting soil into the container. Because our goal is to harvest sprouts, the potting soil only needs to be about 1 cm thick; it does not need to be too thick. If you want to grow them into vegetables to eat, the potting soil needs to be more than 10 cm deep, and the plants must not be too densely packed together.

1. Scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil.

2. After sowing, remember to use a watering can to spray water 2-3 times a day to keep the seed surface moist.

3. On the second day, the seeds sprout one after another. Do not stop spraying water; continue to keep them moist.

4. On the third day, small green sprouts have already grown out. At this point they should be moved to a place with plenty of light so the sprouts can grow stronger.

5. On the fourth day, the broccoli sprout seeds have grown quite a bit taller, but the leaves have not yet fully opened. At this time, pay attention when watering - to avoid the seedlings falling over, the water should be gently poured onto the soil surface.

6. By the fifth day, they are about 3 cm tall, and the green leaves have also opened.

7. On the sixth day, they can be harvested to eat - just cut them off from the base with scissors.

TheNaturePlanet tip: At this time the leaves are relatively thick, and eating them raw gives a chewier texture. After eating, you will feel a slight pungency and astringency.

8. Broccoli seedlings grow very slowly. This is how they look after one month, about 10 cm tall, with 4 leaves ready to harvest.