Quinoa, pronounced "chìnoa", has sprouts like wheat and is a plant similar to green leafy vegetables, such as Swiss chard and spinach. Quinoa grains are high in protein, and release a crunchy nutty aroma when cooked in the casserole, especially when roasted first. These nutritious grains are increasingly popular and are often eaten as a breakfast cereal or as a side dish for dinner. Quinoa can also sprout in alfalfa spirals, to be added to salads, sandwiches, vegetables, and wok-fried dishes. Read on to find out how to properly sprout quinoa.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Prepare Quinoa for Germination
Step 1. First rinse the quinoa seeds in a bowl
Wash them to remove the liner and saponin. Quinoa must always be rinsed before germinating and cooking.
Step 2. Add about 110 grams of quinoa seeds to the sprouter or place them in a second bowl
After rinsing off the saponin, drain the quinoa using a fine mesh strainer, while the soapy water drains down the sink. Transfer the quinoa to a seed sprouter or second bowl
Method 2 of 5: Soak Quinoa for a Long Time
Step 1. Pour some fresh water into the bowl or sprouter
The temperature should not be below 21 ° C. Add enough water to completely submerge the quinoa seeds
Step 2. Soak them
Leave the quinoa to soak for at least 30 minutes.
Method 3 of 5: Rinse
Step 1. After 30 minutes of soaking, drain the water
From the sprout (or bowl) drain the excess carefully into the sink. The quinoa should still remain in the sprout however.
Step 2. Rinse the quinoa seeds thoroughly again
Use cold water, at a temperature between 15 and 21 degrees C
Step 3. Repeat the washing and draining process every 8 to 12 hours
Method 4 of 5: Begin the Germination Process
Step 1. Transfer the quinoa to a dark place
Move it from the bowl or sprout to a large plate or tray. Keep it out of direct sunlight and place it in a darker area at room temperature. Cover it with a cloth to keep dust or bugs away
Step 2. Continue the rinse cycle
Put the quinoa back into the sprout or bowl once more to repeat the rinse and drain cycle. As mentioned previously, it is necessary to rinse and drain the quinoa every 8 or 12 hours for 2 days
Step 3. After the last wash and rinse cycle, allow the quinoa time to dry for the next use
Step 4. Move the quinoa back to the plate or tray
Place it in a dark room to continue the germination process, and cover it with a cloth to protect it. The quinoa should sprout filling the pot with spiral roots at least about 5 or 6mm long. Let the shoots dry for up to 12 hours, as excess moisture can damage them.
Method 5 of 5: Storing and Consuming Quinoa Sprouts
Step 1. Store the quinoa in a safe place
Once the quinoa sprouts are completely dry, place them in a sealed plastic bag or airtight glass container. Store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh
Step 2. Eat quinoa sprouts quickly
For best results, eat them directly or add them to the salad or cook them as soon as possible. Quinoa stays fresh for up to two weeks after germination.
