Bean sprouts are delicious and healthy. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids, protein and fiber. These culinary vegetables are also low-calorie, low-carb and low-fat. You can add them to salads, sandwiches and stir-fries. Growing bean sprouts at home is a simple, cost-effective way to add fresh, nutritious ingredients to your meals.  

Mung beans are popular, but you can also experiment with beans like lentils or chickpeas.  

What you’ll need to grow bean sprouts 

  • Glass jar (mason jars work well) 
  • Cheesecloth or a mesh cover for the jar 
  • Rubber band to secure the cover 
  • Water for soaking and rinsing 

1. Prepare the beans 

When growing bean sprouts, it’s best to get high-quality, organic bean seeds to ensure they are chemical, GMO-free and non-irradiated, as recommended by the experienced sprouting experts at Nature Jim’s Sprouts. While you can use other beans, mung beans are more popular because they sprout quickly and easily.  

Start by removing debris or damaged seeds, then rinse seeds with clean water. The experienced sprouting experts recommend soaking and sanitizing sprouting seeds. You can use white distilled vinegar, apple cider vinegar or hydrogen peroxide. Soak and wash the glass containers thoroughly and ensure your hands are clean. 

2. Soak the beans 

Place the rinsed beans in your glass jar, using about one tablespoon of beans for every cup of sprouts you want to grow. Fill the jar with fresh water, submerge the beans fully and let them soak for 6–8 hours (overnight works well). This soaking period helps rehydrate the beans, jump-starting the sprouting process. 

3. Drain and rinse  

After soaking, drain the water from the jar using the cheesecloth or mesh cover. Rinse the beans thoroughly with fresh water, then drain again, ensuring no water remains in the jar to prevent mold growth. Invert the jar at a slight angle so any excess water can continue to drain. 

4. Sprouting process 

Place the jar in a cool, dark area away from direct sunlight. Rinse and drain the beans three times daily; this helps keep them moist and prevents them from drying out. Be sure to drain completely each time you rinse. 

Over the next few days, you’ll notice tiny sprouts emerging from the seeds. They’ll take up more space in the jar as they grow and become plump and crunchy. Bean seeds for sprouting are generally ready within 4–5 days, but you can grow them longer if you prefer larger sprouts.  

5. Harvesting the sprouts 

Bean sprouts are ready to harvest when they reach 1–2 inches long. Rinse them one final time, then gently pat them dry. At this stage, you can remove any remaining bean husks for a cleaner presentation, though this step is optional. 

6. Storage 

When the sprouts reach your desired length, store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. According to the experienced sprouting experts at Nature Jim’s Sprouts, keeping your harvested sprouts in a fridge will help them stay fresh longer. Add them to your favorite dishes, such as sandwiches or soups.  

How long does it take bean seeds to sprout 

It takes about 4–5 days for bean seeds to sprout. Unlike other gardening projects, sprouting seeds indoors requires minimal space, time and equipment, and the results are quick. With just a few minutes of care each day, you’ll have freshly sprouted seeds within a week. 

Summing it up 

Growing bean sprouts at home is a simple, rewarding project that provides fresh, nutritious food with minimal effort. Not only do they sprout quickly, but sprouted seeds like these offer many health benefits, are budget-friendly and require very little equipment. Give it a try and you may find yourself experimenting with different seeds for various delicious, homegrown sprouts to enjoy all year round!