Bean sprouts are a versatile ingredient used in various delicious dishes such as stir-fried bean sprouts, soups, or as a side dish. However, many homemakers worry about the quality of store-bought bean sprouts and the potential presence of chemicals. So, they have come up with creative ways to grow their own bean sprouts using household items.
In this article, we will guide you on how to reuse milk cartons to grow bean sprouts quickly, ensuring they are clean, white, and crispy.
Prepare the ingredients and tools
- 100g of green beans (soybeans can also be used)
- Carton from a 1-liter milk box
- Newspaper
How to Grow Bean Sprouts Using a Milk Carton
Step 1: Clean the Milk Carton and Cut the Corners
First, thoroughly clean the milk carton and use scissors to cut off the four corners of the top of the carton. It is important to ensure that the carton is completely free of any milk residue, as this can cause the bean sprouts to spoil.
Step 2: Wash and Soak the Green Beans
Wash the green beans thoroughly with water and remove any damaged beans. Even one damaged bean can spoil the entire batch. After cleaning, soak the beans in water for about three hours and then drain the water. For faster sprouting, you can use a ratio of 3 parts cold water to 2 parts boiling water.
Step 3: Put the Beans in the Milk Carton
Place the soaked beans into the milk carton, cover it, and place it in a dark place away from direct sunlight.
Tip: You can add two sheets of newspaper to the carton to maintain moisture, which will help the sprouts grow faster and plumper.
You can use the mouth of a plastic bottle as a funnel
Step 4: Water Daily
Each day, fill the carton with water, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and then drain the water by turning the carton upside down. Repeat this process 2-3 times a day.
The Final Product
After four days, when you notice the carton looking puffed up, you can cut it open to harvest the bean sprouts. Be sure to rinse and remove the bean shells before using them.
Look at those white, plump sprouts!
Some tips for successfully growing bean sprouts using a milk carton from the first try:
– Thoroughly clean the milk carton to ensure no milk residue is left behind, as this can spoil the sprouts.
– Choose high-quality green beans, and remove any damaged or rotten beans during the washing and soaking process to avoid affecting the entire batch.
– When draining the water from the carton, ensure that all the water is completely drained. Even a small amount of water left behind can cause spoilage.
– Keep the carton in a dark place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent the sprouts from changing color or turning bitter.
It’s that simple! You can now grow your own bean sprouts at home without the long soaking and incubation periods. Good luck!