Learning how to sprout broccoli seeds at home is easy, and it only takes a few days. But is it worth the effort? That’s easy to answer with an enthusiastic YES!

Broccoli sprouts are a powerhouse of nutrients and antioxidants that can help boost your immune system, and they’re easy to digest. And because they’re so easy to grow at home, broccoli sprouts are an accessible and affordable superfood. Let’s talk about what broccoli sprouts are, the nutritional benefits they have, and how to sprout broccoli seeds at home.

What are broccoli sprouts?

Sprouting is a type of seed germination in which broccoli seeds are soaked in water until they begin to sprout. These tiny seedlings contain high amounts of sulforaphane, a compound known for its numerous health benefits. Sulforaphane “shows a range of biological activities and health benefits in humans, has been found to be a very promising chemopreventive agent against not only a variety of cancers such as breast, prostate, colon, skin, lung, stomach, and bladder but also against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes,” according to EXCLI Journal.

Benefits of eating broccoli sprouts raw

The highest concentrations of sulforaphane are found in the young sprouts before they reach maturity. This makes eating broccoli sprouts raw the ideal way to maximize their nutrient content.

As opposed to cooking them, raw broccoli sprouts provide maximum nutrition because heat destroys some of the beneficial compounds that make this vegetable so powerful. Additionally, raw broccoli sprouts contain compounds that stimulate the body’s innate immune response, which helps fight off potential infections. Recent scientific developments demonstrate that sulforaphane, found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables, can have a powerful effect on the body at a cellular level. Even in fully grown broccoli, when cut or broken down (or even chewed!), the sulforaphane compound may release protection against foreign invaders like viruses, allowing for improved immunity.

How to sprout broccoli seeds at home

Sprouting broccoli seeds at home is surprisingly easy! In fact, we’ve made a video on how to do it here.

To grow broccoli sprouts, all you need is a mason jar, broccoli microgreen seeds (save money and buy the microgreen-specific ones, not regular seed packets), cheesecloth, and water.

On day one, you will put 1 to 2 tablespoons of seeds into a sterile mason jar with a couple of tablespoons of warm water, close the lid, and let the seeds sit overnight. In the morning, you’ll open the jar, cover the top with cheesecloth, and strain out the water. Add new water, swirl, drain again, and cover (this time there shouldn’t be excess water left inside, that’s only for night one). The next morning, add water again, swirl, drain, and cover.

At this point, you may already have sprouts. You’ll continue this each day until you have a jar full of sprouts that are mostly white and starting to turn green. Then you can use them as garnish and in salads for an extra dose of vitamins.

Start sprouting that broccoli!

Broccoli is a fantastic source of nutrition that can be enjoyed in its young and raw form. The immature seedlings of full-grown broccoli contain higher levels of beneficial compounds than mature plants do, making them extremely popular to consume for their wide-ranging health benefits. They can easily be sprouted from seeds at home with minimal effort and can be enjoyed raw as a crunchy snack or added to salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries. Sprouting broccoli seeds is a great way to increase the amount of nutrients you consume each day while also having access to home-grown produce year round.

If you’re looking for an accessible and affordable superfood packed with nutrients and antioxidants, look no further than broccoli sprouts! With just a little bit of effort you can reap all kinds of amazing health benefits from this delicious vegetable!

Have you grown broccoli sprouts at home? Is it something you do regularly?

Broccoli—hated by children, loved by adults—proves that when we grow older, we grow wiser. And growing broccoli in your garden is a very wise choice. With this collection, you get all the details that go into growing and harvesting healthful broccoli, and easy, savory recipes that make it all the more rewarding to grow your own broccoli.

With our Broccoli Gardening Guide, you’ll get all the details that go into growing and harvesting healthful broccoli, and easy, savory recipes that make it all the more rewarding to grow your own broccoli.