Food

EDIBLE BEAUTIFUL NEWBIES

by Forest and Kim Starr. “Helianthus annuus (Sunflower).”

SPROUTS

Sprouts are some of the most beautiful foods you can eat! They are the newest expressions of every vegetable, grain, bean, and grass. And while they are so delicate and tender, sprouts are super-packed with nutrients and power -- often more so than the fully matured versions of themselves. In fact, research studies have found that sprouts can play a significant role in both disease prevention and cures as well as in anti-aging regimens.

The most commonly eaten sprouts are alfalfa sprouts, often gracing salads and sandwiches, and mung bean sprouts, often found in Asian cuisines. But there are plenty more varieties of sprouts now readily available in many food markets. And, you can easily grow your own!

Springtime is a great time to explore new sprouts and sprouts recipes. In particular, radish sprouts, broccoli sprouts and pea shoots are lovely now.

White clover blossom sprouts up in a field of yellow and orange flowers.

We also love sunflower sprouts, clover sprouts, and chickpea sprouts, just to name a few. And then, when the sprouts grow enough to develop new blossoms, they offer a new burst of edible beauty.

Radish sprouts.

High in vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, protein, and micronutrients, sprouts can increase your daily nutrition intake. And can add delightful freshness to almost any dish.

Alfalfa crop with farmers.

Jonathan’s Sprouts is a family-run business, founded by Bob and Sandra Sanderson, based in Southeastern Massachusetts, which supplies many markets and restaurants with a wide range of high quality sprouts. The Sandersons founded the New England Sprout Growers Association and co-founded the International Sprout Growers Association (ISGA), organizations that have helped support research into sprout agriculture and medicinal benefits.

Alfalfa sprouts.

Medicinally and nutritionally, sprouts have a long history. Ancient Chinese physicians recognized and prescribed sprouts for curing many disorders over 5,000 years ago.

Bean sprout with a “Love You” message carved.

More recently, there is research to indicate that a single ingestion of 2.5 ounces of broccoli sprouts inhibited prostate cancer three to six hours after consumption, and that a single serving of broccoli sprouts inhibits HDAC activity in human colon, prostate, and breast cancer cells. There is also evidence to suggest that two ounces a day of broccoli or other cruciferous sprouts may eradicate H pylori infection, which causes ulcers, in seven days.

Bowl of mung bean sprouts.

Chickpea sprouts.

Sunflower sprouts atop a dish of curried vegetables.

If you want to learn more about sprout nutrition, check out these studies:

Spicy Chinese bean sprout salad.

And check out more beautiful things happening now in BN Mind/Body, Soul/Impact, Nature/Science, Food/Drink, Arts/Design, and Place/Time, Daily Fix posts.

Alfalfa blossom.

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Field of sunflowers.

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Spring still life with chard, pussy willows, kale and sprouted wheatgrass.

IMAGE CREDITS:

Image: by Forest and Kim Starr. “Helianthus annuus (Sunflower).”
Image: by きうこ. “White Clover.”
Image: by Yutaka Seki. “Triton Radish Sprouts.”
Image: by U.S. Department of Agriculture. “U.S.-grown alfalfa hay.”
Image: by Margo Akermark. “Alfalfa forest.”
Image: by Quinn Dombrowski. ‘Love sprouts.’
Image: by kattebelletje. “Bean sprouts.”
Image: by Anne White.
Image: by Jnzl's Photos. “Sunflower sprouts draped over a dish.”
Image: by Bernard Wee. “Parents' birthday dinner at Xi Yan. Spicy Chinese bean sprout salad.”
Image: by Bill Burris. “Alfalfa.”
Image: by Ade Russell. “Sunflowers.”
Image: by Jim Choate. “Spring Still Life E.”