How to grow chia seeds at home
What's the story
Growing chia seeds in water is the simplest and most efficient way to reap the benefits of this nutritious seed. Since this method requires hardly any resources and can be done indoors, anyone keen on sprouting their own chia seeds can easily do so. Here's how you can grow chia seeds without soil in a few easy steps. And get fresh sprouts on your plate.
Container selection
Choosing the right container
Selecting an appropriate container is crucial for growing chia seeds in water. A shallow dish or tray works best as it ensures the seeds spread out evenly. Ensure that the container is clean and free from any residues that might affect seed growth. Glass or ceramic containers are ideal choices because they do not react with water or seeds.
Seed preparation
Preparing chia seeds for sprouting
Before adding them to water, rinse the chia seeds well under running water to get rid of any impurities. Use a fine mesh strainer so you don't end up losing the small seeds while rinsing. Once cleaned, spread the seeds evenly across the bottom of your chosen container, making sure they're not heaped on top of each other.
Water addition
Adding water correctly
Pour enough water into the container so that it just covers the surface of the chia seeds. Don't add too much water, it might lead to mold growth or drowning of seedlings. The idea is to keep them moist, but not submerge them completely. Check daily, and add more water if necessary to maintain moisture levels.
Growth monitoring
Monitoring growth progress
Check your chia seed sprouts daily for signs of growth, and ensure they stay moist throughout their development process. Within three to five days, you should notice tiny sprouts emerging from each seed's surface—this indicates successful germination! Keep monitoring till they reach the desired length before harvesting for consumption.