How to grow chia sprouts: 7 easy methods

Chia seeds are extremely small yet extremely nutrient-dense, containing soluble fiber, polyunsaturated fat, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, protein, and bioactive substances. Unexpectedly, chia is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, which is fantastic for vegans and vegetarians.

I adore chia seeds because I can use them to create smoother smoothies, healthier salads, and chia gel for delicious sweets. You can also easily sprout them at the same time. Read to see how!

General tips

The Mayan term for “strength,” according to sources, is chia. Chia seeds were credited with giving the Incas, Aztecs, and Mayans the stamina, vitality, and endurance needed for both their messengers’ long-distance running and their warriors’ combative engagements.

But nowadays, sprouting seeds is a common technique for most people. How come? Compared to dry seeds, sprouting seeds are easier for your stomach to digest. Chia seeds’ starch transforms into sugars and their proteins into amino acids as they sprout. The seeds also include enzymes, vitamins A and C, and other nutrients.

Chia seed sprouts are a natural supply of linolenic acid, which reduces atherosclerosis and strengthens hormones (hardening of blood vessels). They also reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol.

As I previously stated, growing chia seeds indoors are very simple. The following 5 items are required if you have never attempted growing chia sprouts:

• Seeds: Chia seeds shouldn’t be soaked before sprouting.
• Sprinkle the seeds on a damp, porous surface to root the sprouts (sprouting starts in about 24 hours).
• Sunlight: Give the sprouts some filtered light to grow in.
• Moisture: Use a water spray bottle to maintain moisture for the sprouts as they grow; check at least twice a day to maintain moisture for the porous surface.
• Harvesting: Since chia seeds take between 4 and 7 days to fully sprout, you can harvest your chia seeds in as little as 10 days. (The temperature affects this.)

Chia seeds grow at around 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal temperature. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Can you sprout chia seeds from the supermarket?

Chia seeds, which are entirely organic and typically more recent than chia-pet seeds, can be purchased sprouted at a grocery or health food store. I cultivate a respectable-sized plant from chia seeds inside over the winter. It managed to live in a very little pot for about a month! These plants are extremely hardy.

1. The covered moisture method

All you need for this technique is a tray, a lid, and some water. Here is the procedure in detail:

• Clean a shallow container, like a plastic or aluminum tray or paper plate.
• On the tray or container, add 1 spoonful of water and 1 spoonful of chia seeds. (Any ratio of seeds to water will work.)
• Tip the tray to let the water drain after about 60 minutes. Your chia seeds are now damp.
• To keep the moisture in, cover the tray.
• The chia seeds should start to sprout in around 4 days.
• Expose the sprouts to direct sunshine so they can turn green when they are around 14 inches long (6.35 millimeters).

2. The terra cotta tray method

Clay that is molded and dried into shapes like pots, plates, trays, or figurines in human or animal forms is known as terra cotta. It is a brownish-orange or brownish-red clay. The porous surface absorbs moisture, allowing the chia seeds to sprout.

Here are the instructions for using the terra-cotta tray method for successful sprouting:

1. On a shallow container or terra cotta dish, sprinkle chia seeds thinly.
2. On a bigger dish, pour 1/4 inch of water.
3. Place the larger plate of water on top of the chia seeds dish with care. Keep water from entering the seed dish.
4. To prevent the water from evaporating, cover the two plates.
5. The terra cotta bowl will soak up water, giving the chia seeds the ideal amount of moisture to sprout.

3. The tray and spray method

Instead of wicking water through a clay surface, this method of sprouting chia seeds needs you to spray water.

• A terra-cotta dish should be covered with a thin coating of chia seeds.
• Every day, twice in the morning and once in the evening, mist the seeds with water.
• Give the seeds some filtered light.
• Within 7 to 10 days, the sprouts will start to grow.

Use a plastic or glass lid (cloche or bell jar) to hold the moisture longer so you don’t need to spray as frequently. This method is well-known for speeding up germination and keeping the required moisture levels. Within seven to ten days, the sprouts will start to grow.

4. The wide-mouth jar method

One simple method of sprouting chia seeds is to use a jar with a wide mouth where a cheesecloth cover can be secured with a rubber band.

• Fill the container with 2 to 4 tablespoons of chia seeds.
• Add 3 times as much water as seeds, then soak overnight (about 6 to 12 hours).
• Remove the water.
• Fresh water should be added to the jar, then it should be gently swirled to rinse the sprouts.
• Remove all of the water.
• Place the jar in a spot with filtered light.
• For around 7 days or until the sprouts are the desired length, rinse and drain them at least twice daily (more frequently in warmer weather).

One convenient way to sprout chia seeds is to use a mason jar.

5. The jiffy pot method

A jiffy pot or a peat strip is used in this technique. A 3-inch jiffy pot or one that is a little bigger can be used. These organic pots’ peat or wood fiber materials have wick-like abilities to absorb water.

• Soak the jiffy pot in water.
• Pour about 0.3 inches of water into a dish, plate, or tray.
• Roll the wet jiffy pot in the seeds until it is covered with seeds.
• Place the jiffy pot upside down in the dish.
• Refill the dish with water every day to keep the water level at 0.3 inches.
• The seeds should sprout in a few days.

6. The paper towel method

• Fold 2 paper towel sheets.
• In a shallow dish or tray, spread the folded paper towels out in the bottom.
• Water should be added until the paper towel is completely wet.
• Over the paper towel that has been dampened, scatter the chia seeds.
• Spray or add water to keep the paper towel wet.
• Put the seeds in indirect sunlight after they start to grow.

7. The nylon or linen method

Many of our gardening friends who grow chia sprouts all year long, including in the winter, highly recommend this method. They both concur that this is the quickest method for sprouting chia seeds.

• Use a sizable tray, dish, or dinner plate.
• Place a linen or nylon stocking on the platter.
• Spray some water on the nylon or cloth.
• The fabric should have a layer of chia seeds on it. Make sure the seeds are uniformly dispersed and give them room to grow so they can spread.
• Sprinkle some water on the seeds.
• A transparent glass or plastic bowl might be used to cover the dish.
• Place the covered dish in a spot of filtered light.
• Spray the seeds at least twice daily to keep them damp, but stay away from any standing water.
• Within 3 days or fewer, the chia seeds ought to sprout.

Chia seeds aren’t like other sprouting seeds. You might have used a sprouting jar if you’ve previously sprouted different kinds of seeds. As mucilaginous seeds, chia won’t grow properly with this technique (gelatinous). This indicates that when they come into touch with water, a layer of gel forms surrounding each seed.

So it’s best to set your knowledge of sprouting aside when trying to grow chia sprouts. The twice-daily rinse is useless because all it will produce are goopy seeds.

Chia seeds recipes and uses

Salvia Hispanica, sometimes known as the chia plant, is a member of the mint family and is very simple to care for. It is worthwhile to attempt to grow this plant at home because the results of such planting are quick.

You may add chia sprouts to a salad, sandwich, pizza, soup, or wrap for more crunch and health benefits. The green chlorophyll also helps your body absorb more oxygen, which is good for your heart, lungs, and brain.

Using a glass baking dish and a shallow terra cotta dish to make the procedure simpler, you can grow chia seeds in four to six days.

Sprouted chia seeds are also ideal for your health because they are a fantastic source of fiber and chlorophyll. Additionally, as was indicated at the outset, such cuisine is quite beneficial for vegetarians and vegans because sprouted chia seeds can help you maintain healthy levels of calcium, iron, and protein.

The seeds of the chia plant were credited with giving the Incas, Aztecs, and Mayans the stamina, vitality, and endurance needed for both their messengers’ long-distance running and their warriors’ combative engagements.

Before you eat chia seeds they should be soaked in water so that they can expand and become gel-like (one man who failed to do this required medical attention). Chia sprouts soon absorb moisture and become a sticky mess. Just so you’re aware, sprout chia seed in a jar with a strainer lid is incorrect.

Recipe: chia pudding

Chia pudding can be made in just three simple steps and using just three ingredients. This video demonstrates. The three components are:

• 2 teaspoons of chia seeds
• Any milk: 1/2 cup
• Sweetener: 1 teaspoon (optional) (honey, brown sugar, etc.)

There are 3 steps:

• Pour each item into a jar, then stir until the mixture appears smooth.
• Cover the jar and chill overnight (or for around 2 hours if you’re pressed for time).
• Add your preferred fruit on top. Enjoy.

FAQ

Conclusion

You see, there are plenty of methods how to sprout and grow chia seeds. The rest is all up to you, pick your method and start to grow chia seeds. I’ll go with the “nylon or linen method” because it’s the quickest method for chia seeds grow.

I hope I’ve helped you with this article and your question: “how to grow chia sprouts?” is gone. Want to know about  growing kohlrabi at home, read