Is there really a global food shortage? Some sources claim that
we are in eminent danger of running out of food unless we embrace
the practice of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to produce
more abundant crops. Others suggest organic is the way to go and
if we stop harming the soil with chemical fertilizers, our farms
will produce more food naturally. The truth is that there is actually
more than enough food to feed the world. The problem is getting
nutrient rich food to where it is most needed. The availability
of healthy food is becoming critical not only in the poorer regions
of the world but also right here within developed nations. It
will come as no surprise to many people that processed food available
at the grocery stores these days lacks the nutritional value of
food most of us grew up eating.
Hunger was once measured by the amount of calories consumed.
Most people get enough calories, more than enough in many places
where obesity rates have risen. However, calories do not necessarily
take into account nutrient content in food.
Frances Moore Lappe & Joseph Collins in their book World Hunger
10 Myths, chronicle a world of nutritional deprivation. They describe
our modern society as being so deprived of healthy nutrients in
food that our health is suffering. Their answer to this nutritional
deficit: Sprouts. Sprouts are one of the healthiest most nutrient
rich foods available on the planet.
Look throughout the internet, there are new sites sprouting up
daily (pun intended) proclaiming the health benefits of eating
sprouts. Many health food stores and regular grocery stores will
have whole sections dedicated to sprouts. You can easily buy packages
of pre-sprouted beans for a few dollars or to save some money
and ensure freshness you can simply sprout your own.
There are many ways to sprout including paper towels, jars or
by investing in a sprout system. One of the most important elements
of sprouting is cleanliness. Bacteria can grow very quickly so
keep your beans and seeds clean by rinsing your sprouts twice
a day. Some sprouters suggest a once-a-day rinse will be fine
but to keep on top of any unwanted microbes, we recommend changing
the water twice a day; in the morning and again at night. The
problem is, when using jars, paper towels or even complicated
multi-level sprouting systems, rinsing the beans can be a time
consuming chore. People may tire of sprouting if it becomes too
cumbersome. This problem was the genesis of the design for the
Super Simple Sprouter.
The Super Simple Sprouter is a new design in sprout growing that
is fast, easy and very effective. In this new grower the beans
are spread out across the mesh and not crammed together as in
a jar. This allows the sprouts to germinate faster. It also makes
the sprouter simple to use and easy to rinse and clean. 7 seconds
in the morning and 7 seconds at night is all that is required
for clean healthy sprouts. The heat and humidity of the Super
Simple Sprouter make it so effective. Mung beans are the fastest
germinating and are often ready is 24 hours!
Most information about sprouting suggests that to be successful
beans and seeds must be soaked. With the Super Simple Sprouter,
no soaking is required. The greenhouse design keeps the sprouts
in a humid atmosphere.
As sprouting is done for health benefits, it is essential that
good quality beans are used. We recommend using certified organic
beans or seeds, if possible. In our experience regular beans or
seeds do not always germinate. The cost difference between a batch
of organic vs conventional beans works out to pennies per day.
Did you sprout more than you need? Did you know that most sprouts
can be frozen for later use? Once frozen, sprouts are best used
in cooked dishes. For a quick, delicious meal, store a couple
of cups of sprouted beans (eg. Lentils, chickpeas) in the freezer.
Thaw quickly to add to soups, stews and stir-fries.
