Well, today is another cool one but instead of cloudy and dark, it's sunny and dry...just cool...very nice!
I began some stretching exercises specifically designed for hips and knees yesterday. I am alternating those with upper body strengthening exercises. And I am continuing to walk each day also at least a mile or two each day. Need to continue moving at my age...use it or lose it...as they say!
So the last minute 1/6 Committee hearing is going to begin in about an hour and it looks like the assistant to Meadows is the sole witness. Still wonder what was so important that they called a surprise hearing!
Tuesday's focus is 'nature' in it's widest idea. This week's focus is 'sprouting' beans. Sprouting is a simple, easy process that really needs no special equipment. I have always used a wide mouth canning jar and cheesecloth. You can use either a ring from the canning jar (without the lid) or rubber bands to hold the cheesecloth on. But you can sprout with just a bowl and dishcloth.
The benefits of sprouting your own beans include cost (It's much cheaper than buying sprouts), nutrition (Sprouting increases the amount of beneficial minerals as well as increases their absorption) and finally, sprouts are more easily digested.
You can purchase sprouting beans, but I use the regular dried beans except any type of kidney beans which should be cooked before eating.
Try sprouting lentils or chickpeas or white beans.
To begin, rinse and sort beans removing any that are damaged. Next soak the beans. Some folks like to soak in warm water, some like room temperature water. Some folks suggest filtered water and other just plain tap water.
Soak the beans between 8 and 12 hours. Some beans like it longer and some like it shorter but the average is 8 to 12 hours. You can google to find specific soaking times if desired but remember the larger the bean, the longer the soak.
If you soak in a jar, remember that what you are soaking will probably double in size so take that into consideration when you fill the jar with beans. If you soak in a bowl, just make sure that water covers the beans. Whatever you use, cover (with cheesecloth or dish towel) and let sit.
After soaking, drain the water, rinse and drain. You can keep them in a covered bowl and the beans will sprout. Or you can wrap the beans up in a dishtowel or cheesecloth and place in the bowl in a dark place. And if you use the jars, after rinsing you can place the jars on a downward angle to let any water drain out.
The sprouts should appear in another 12 hours. If you want longer, larger sprouts, let them continue to grow but make sure that the beans do not dry out.
If you want to remove the beans and use only the sprouts, rinse in water to loosen the beans but most eat both sprouts and beans.
Try sprouting at least once and you will see how easy it is to do. And then use the sprouts in salads, sandwiches, soups, stir-fries, omelets, etc for a unique additional taste.
Talk with you tomorrow...