Method 1: Planting Mung Bean Sprouts Using Plastic Baskets and Cotton Cloths
Materials and Tools Needed:
- 1 plastic basket
- 1 soaking cloth (used to cover the basket and help the sprouts grow plump and sweet)
- 100 grams of mung beans
Steps:
Step 1: Wash the mung beans and soak them in a mixture of warm water (3 parts cold water, 2 parts boiling water) for 1 hour.
Step 2: While the beans are soaking, clean and dry the plastic basket and cotton cloth.
Step 3: Place the soaked mung beans into the cotton cloth and put it in the plastic basket. Cover the basket with a porcelain plate and place it in a lightly lit area or cover it with a black cloth bag (not too tightly).
Step 4: Water the beans twice a day, as they require high moisture.
Step 5: After 2-3 days, harvest the mung bean sprouts and use them.
Method 2: Planting Mung Bean Sprouts Using Plastic Bottles
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Empty plastic bottle (1.5 liters)
- 100 grams of mung beans
Steps:
Step 1: Wash the mung beans and soak them in a mixture of warm water (3 parts cold water, 2 parts boiling water) for 1 hour.
Step 2: Clean the plastic bottle and punch holes around the bottle neck. Create a large hole on the bottle body for easy bean growth.
Step 3: Place the soaked mung beans into the bottle. Position the bottle horizontally in a lightly lit area or cover it with a black cloth bag.
Step 4: Water the beans twice a day. Harvest the sprouts after 2-3 days.
Method 3: Planting Mung Bean Sprouts Using Paper Milk Cartons
Follow the same steps as planting mung beans using plastic bottles, but replace the plastic bottle with a paper milk carton.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Empty paper milk carton
- 100 grams of mung beans
Steps:
Step 1: Wash the mung beans and soak them in a mixture of warm water (3 parts cold water, 2 parts boiling water) for 1 hour.
Step 2: Cut one side of the paper milk carton, but keep it attached so it can be closed. Punch holes around the carton for ventilation.
Step 3: Place the soaked mung beans into the carton. Position the carton in a lightly lit area or cover it with a black cloth bag.
Step 4: Water the beans twice a day. Harvest the sprouts after 2-3 days.
Method 4: Planting Mung Bean Sprouts Using Foam Boxes
This method is visually appealing and simple.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Foam box
- Large paper towels
- A small amount of sand
- 100 grams of mung beans
Steps:
Step 1: Wash the mung beans and soak them in a mixture of warm water (3 parts cold water, 2 parts boiling water) for 1 hour.
Step 2: Punch holes at the bottom of the foam box and place 3-4 layers of paper towels over the holes. Spread a thin layer of sand on top of the towels.
Step 3: Spread the soaked mung beans evenly on the sand layer and cover the surface with paper towels.
Step 4: Water the beans twice a day. Harvest the sprouts after 2-3 days.
Method 5: Planting Mung Bean Sprouts Using Kitchen Ash
This method is cost-effective for those using wood-burning stoves.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- 100 grams of mung beans
- 1 plastic basket
- Kitchen ash
Steps:
Step 1: Soak the mung beans as mentioned in the previous methods.
Step 2: Spread a thick layer of ash (about 5 cm) in the plastic basket. Moisten the ash with a little water. Add the soaked mung beans, and cover them with another thin layer of ash. Place the basket in a lightly lit area.
Step 3: Water the beans twice a day. Harvest the sprouts after 2-3 days.
Helpful Tips for Growing Mung Bean Sprouts:
- Ensure proper ventilation by making adequate holes in the containers used, as too few holes can lead to moisture damage.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, allow the sprouts to grow for an extra day to reduce the intensity.
- Soak the beans until they bloom and the skins start peeling off.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of beans, such as soybeans, black beans, or red beans, according to your preference.
Mung bean sprouts can be used in stir-fries, soups, or consumed as a healthy refreshing drink.
These are five simple, convenient, and effective methods for growing your own mung bean sprouts at home. Best of luck!