Sprouting Chia Seeds

Sprouting chia seeds, or Salvia Hispanica, is popular for many reasons.  For one thing, its germination rate is quite high. 

It is also a perfect match for edible seeds, and is highly recommended for gardening and hydroponics. Chia seeds are also suitable for growing salad sprouts and helps in survival food storage. 

In fact, chia seeds are considered a staple food source for the Aztecs. Chia seeds also contain essential nutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, and Omega 3 fatty acid, and they do not contain glutten. 

Chia seeds can be eaten as raw or as sprouts, and they make perfect ingredients for salads and sandwiches. 

You can even grind chia seeds to make cakes, porridges, breads or biscuits. To emphasize the importance of chia seeds even further, the Native Americans of the southwest as well as the inhabitants of Mexico have also used them as medium of exchange or as currency. 

An energy and endurance supplement, they were also used during the early conquests of Aztecs. 

For a slower conversion of carbohydrates into sugar, diabetics also use chia seeds because of their highly mucilaginous nature. 

They are also useful in regulating more efficiently the distribution of moisture to the rest of the body cells. 

Trays or sprouters should not be used in sprouting chia seeds since dry sprouting is necessary. Sprouting chia seeds can be done two ways. 

The first technique involves sprinkling a thin layer of chia seeds on the bottom part of a terra cotta plate, which is then placed in a larger container of water. 

This should be covered with another plate or dish.  During this time, small quantities of water will pass through the terra cotta plate, providing just the right amount needed by the chia seeds for sprouting. 

The seeds should be lightly misted.  You can already harvest the sprouts on the third day. 

The other method will require a piece of nylon or linen cloth, which should be laid on a plate. 

A small amount of water should then be sprinkled into the cloth. Afterwards, place one layer of chia seeds on top then lightly mist the layer and cover it with another plate.

Light misting should be done once a day. Sprouting chia seeds using this method would also take two to three days.