Benefits of broccoli sprouts and how to grow them

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Numerous scientific studies have found broccoli sprouts to be essential in the fight against cancer. In the article, we will consider all the useful properties of sprouts and the rules for growing at home.

Benefits of broccoli sprouts and their cultivation

Benefits of broccoli sprouts

In addition to a rich set of vitamins, scientists have discovered a number of elements necessary for the prevention of diseases in the chemical composition of young broccoli sprouts.

Glucoraphanin

The content of glucosinolate glucoraphanin in broccoli sprouts is ten times higher than that in adult cabbage. This substance is essential for lowering blood pressure and is beneficial for the normalization of kidney function. Its action is associated with an increase in the blood of cellular enzymes responsible for protecting the damage to molecules by carcinogenic chemicals.

For this reason, eating broccoli sprouts helps protect against toxic pollutants from the environment.

Sulforaphane

The photochemical sulforaphane in broccoli sprouts is a metabolite of glucoraphanin. This substance enhances the effectiveness in the fight against cancer and acts as an indispensable element for the normal functioning of cells.

Sulforaphane is involved in the activation of more than two hundred genes.

This element has antidiabetic and antimicrobial properties.

Phenols

Phenolic compounds present in the chemical composition of broccoli sprouts, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, are effective in the prevention of asthmatic and diabetic diseases.

They also strengthen the heart and blood vessels due to the ability of phenolic compounds to eliminate free radicals and neutralize inflammatory processes.

Mononucleotide

In the composition of young shoots, there is a mononucleotide nicotinamide involved in energy metabolism.

Landing

Sprouts can be grown in plastic containers

You can use a variety of methods to grow broccoli sprouts in plastic containers. First you need to prepare seeds and containers for them.

Seed preparation

For home cultivation, organic seed material that has not been treated with fungicidal or insecticidal agents is suitable. For every 15 sq. Cm of planting area in a container, you will need about 15 ml (1 tbsp) of seed.

For the purpose of disinfection, it is recommended to soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours. Some people use household bleach to disinfect, soaking the seed in it for 20 minutes.

Soaked seeds are washed with running water at room temperature.

Preparation of containers

Plastic containers with transparent lids are suitable for growing. The depth of the containers is from 10 cm. The container together with the lid is poured over with boiling water for the purpose of disinfection, or, for greater efficiency, it is soaked in a solution of household bleach for 20 minutes, and then rinsed with running cold water.

Growing rules

Drainage must be provided to grow broccoli sprouts.

Germination of seedlings in the ground takes place in several stages:

1. Initially, a thin layer of soil that has undergone disinfection by one of the available methods is laid on the bottom of the container with drainage. The layer is sprayed abundantly with water until it is moist.
2. Seeds moistened with water are laid out in the ground.
3. A thin layer of soil is poured on top of the seeds.
4. Lids are installed on containers or containers with sown seeds are covered with transparent cling film. No ventilation is required for broccoli sprouts to germinate. Only when excessive moisture appears, it is necessary to make several holes in the lid of the container or in the film covering the container.
5. The container with seeds is placed in a place where direct sunlight does not fall, because at the first stage, illumination is not required for seedlings. Temperature from 18 ° to 24 °.

3-5 days after sowing, the seeds begin to germinate. At the first emergence of seedlings, the container is transferred to a lighted place, but not placed in direct sunlight, which adversely affects young seedlings.

When growing the inputs of broccoli seedlings in soil, the first crop can be harvested within 1-2 days from the moment of emergence. They are pulled out of the ground and put into cold water to remove dirt, husks and seed debris.

How to grow sprouts without soil

You can germinate without using soil. Do this with paper towels:

1. At the bottom of a sterilized container or other container, several layers of paper towels are folded, moistening them with water.
2. Seed material is poured onto wet paper in a thin layer and left uncovered on top.
3. From above, the containers are closed with a transparent lid, or the containers with the sown seeds are covered with cling film, making holes in them for ventilation.
4. The containers must be installed near the window opening in a place where direct sunlight does not enter. In the presence of a fluorescent lamp, it is recommended to place the container under such light when the room is not warm enough. The temperature regime for germinating broccoli seedlings without the use of soil must be maintained at a level of at least 21 °.

You can collect germinated seedlings after 3-5 days after their appearance.

Conclusion

Broccoli sprouts are very healthy. They can be grown in soil and paper at home. Sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator for several days:

• wash the sprouts and dry them, spreading them out on paper for 6-8 hours,
• after drying, place in sealed plastic containers.

After 2 days, you can extend their shelf life: rinse again in water, dry, and then place in the refrigerator.