What is the difference between sprouting seeds and planting seeds? Are planting seeds safe for consumption? They seem to be cheaper.

-- J. Appleseed (JA@seed.ling), May 07, 1999

Answers

Planting seeds are sometimes treated with chemicals.

-- Daryll (twinck@wfeca.net), May 07, 1999.

Sprouting seeds are meant to be grown in a jar or sprouter, rinsing daily, for consumption in salads or stir fry. Seeds that are sold for planting are sometimes treated. They are supposed to tell you when the seed is treated, but sometimes a mistake can be made.

However...Johnny;s seemed like the prices were OK, and Bob's Red Mill had a lot of different whole seeds, including alfalfa, that could be sprouted and they were really reasonable.

Another place to look for sprouting seeds is the grocery store. Mung beans are what make the bean sprouts we associate with asian food, and the red beans are also sprouted.

Other seeds from the grocery store to consider are garbanzo and soy beans, sunflower seed (unroasted). In the sprouting process, the hard seed gets soft and edible, as well as making a sprout.

A big mayonaise jar with a muslin cover and a big rubber band is all you need. There are also jar lids with different size holes in them...makes it easy to discard the hulls.

hope this helps.

-- Mary (CAgdma@homenowaddress.com), May 07, 1999.

When people "sprouting seeds" they are generally talking about using them for eating as "sprouts". Planting seeds are meant to be grown into the adult (full) plant. Although you can cause seeds to sprout prior to planting.

*grin*

-- Cherri (sams@brigadoon.com), May 08, 1999.