Exotic Sprouting Seeds
Exotic sprouting seeds are a great way to add new flavors and nutrients to your diet. These unique seeds offer a wide range of tastes that you won't find in your typical grocery store sprouts. From spicy to sweet, exotic sprouts can take your meals to the next level. In this article, we'll explore the world of exotic sprouting seeds, including how to grow them and where to find them.
What Makes a Seed “Exotic”?
Exotic sprouting seeds are any seed that is not commonly found in grocery store sprout mixes. These seeds often have unique flavors and textures that can add depth to any dish. Some exotic sprouting seeds are also more difficult to grow, making them rarer and more expensive.
Benefits of Exotic Sprouting Seeds
In addition to their unique flavors, exotic sprouting seeds offer a range of nutritional benefits. Many of these seeds are high in vitamins and minerals, making them a great addition to any healthy diet. Exotic sprouts can also add variety to your diet, helping you avoid getting bored with your meals.
Where to Find Exotic Sprouting Seeds
Exotic sprouting seeds can be found at specialty stores, nurseries, and online retailers. SproutPeople.org offers a variety of exotic sprouting seeds, including alliums that have strong flavors and are expensive to grow. True Leaf Market also sells unique seed varieties for microgreen growing, including Chinese Mahogany, Borage, Shungiku, Nasturtium, and Shiso Perilla, which produce flavorful microgreens with unexpected tastes. Tyler Farms sells premium all natural pepper and tropical seeds, including rare and exotic varieties like the California Reaper. They grow each seed themselves and prioritize the quality and health of the environment. Finally, eBay is also a great source for exotic sprouting seeds. For example, Sprouting Seed Exotic Mix Radish is a new item that is available for purchase on the platform and can be shipped or picked up locally.
Exotic Sprouting Seeds
How to Grow Exotic Sprouts
Growing exotic sprouts is similar to growing regular sprouts. Here are some tips to help you get started:
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Choose the Right Seeds: When selecting your exotic sprouting seeds, make sure to choose seeds that are appropriate for the time of year and your growing conditions. Some seeds require specific temperatures or growing conditions to thrive.
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Soak the Seeds: Before planting your exotic sprouting seeds, you'll need to soak them in water for several hours. This will help them to sprout more quickly and easily.
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Plant the Seeds: Once your seeds have been soaked, you can plant them in your sprouting tray or jar. Make sure to follow the instructions for your particular sprouting container.
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Water the Seeds: Exotic sprouting seeds require regular watering to grow. Make sure to keep your sprouts moist by watering them once or twice a day.
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Harvest the Sprouts: Once your sprouts have grown to the desired size, you can harvest them and use them in your favorite recipes.
Exotic Sprouting Seed Varieties
There are many different varieties of exotic sprouting seeds available. Here are some examples:
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Alliums: These sprouts come from the onion family and have a strong, oniony flavor. They can be expensive to grow, but are worth it for their unique taste.
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Cilantro: Cilantro sprouts are a great addition to Mexican and Indian dishes. They have a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs well with spicy foods.
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Radish: Radish sprouts have a spicy, peppery flavor that can add heat to salads and sandwiches. They are also high in vitamin C and other nutrients.
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Mustard: Mustard sprouts have a mild, nutty flavor and are high in vitamin K. They are a great addition to sandwiches and salads.
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Fenugreek: Fenugreek sprouts have a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and are high in protein and other nutrients. They are a great addition to Indian and Middle Eastern dishes.
How to Grow Cilantro Microgreens Using Tray Sprouting with Soil
Cilantro microgreens are a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. These tiny sprouts have a fresh, citrusy flavor that pairs well with spicy dishes. Here's how to grow cilantro microgreens using tray sprouting with soil:
Materials Needed
- Cilantro seeds
- Seedling tray with drainage holes
- Soil
- Water
- Spray bottle
Steps
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Fill the tray with soil: Fill your seedling tray with soil to a depth of about 1 inch.
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Plant the seeds: Sprinkle your cilantro seeds over the soil, making sure they are evenly distributed.
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Cover the seeds: Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil, about 1/4 inch deep.
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Water the seeds: Use a spray bottle to moisten the soil, being careful not to overwater.
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Cover the tray: Cover the tray with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in a dark place for 5-9 days.
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Move the tray: After 5-9 days, move the tray to a sunny location. Make sure to keep the soil moist by spraying it with water every 3 days.
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Harvest the microgreens: Your cilantro microgreens will be ready to harvest in 14-21 days. To harvest, simply snip the sprouts just above the soil line. You can also wait an extra week for larger, more mature sprouts with a richer flavor.
Tips
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Don't overwater your cilantro microgreens. They only need to be misted with water every few days to stay moist.
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Make sure your seedling tray has drainage holes to prevent water from building up in the soil.
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Cilantro microgreens prefer warmer temperatures, so make sure to keep them in a warm, sunny spot.
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Use your cilantro microgreens in salads, sandwiches, and soups for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Exotic Microgreens to Try
If you're looking for something beyond the usual sprouts, exotic microgreens are a great option. These tiny greens offer unique flavors and textures that can add excitement to your meals. Here are five exotic microgreens to try:
1. Chinese Mahogany
Chinese Mahogany microgreens have a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and are high in vitamins A and C. They are a great addition to salads and sandwiches.
2. Borage
Borage microgreens have a cucumber-like flavor and are high in antioxidants. They are a great addition to summer salads.
3. Shungiku
Shungiku microgreens have a slightly bitter, herbaceous flavor that pairs well with Asian dishes. They are high in vitamins A and C.
4. Nasturtium
Nasturtium microgreens have a peppery, spicy flavor that can add heat to any dish. They are high in vitamins A and C and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
5. Shiso Perilla
Shiso Perilla microgreens have a minty, anise-like flavor and are high in antioxidants. They are a great addition to sushi and other Japanese dishes.
Where to Buy Exotic Microgreens
True Leaf Market is a great source for exotic microgreens, including Chinese Mahogany, Borage, Shungiku, Nasturtium, and Shiso Perilla. They offer a wide range of seed varieties for microgreen growing and their seeds are non-GMO. You can also find exotic microgreens at specialty grocery stores and farmers markets.
Where to Buy Exotic Sprouting Seeds
If you're interested in trying your hand at growing exotic sprouts, there are several places to buy seeds. Here are some options:
1. Sprout People
Sprout People offers a wide variety of exotic sprouting seeds, including Alliums, broccoli, radish, and mustard. They also offer 2-stop mixes, which are a combination of two different types of seeds. Sprout People's seeds are organic and non-GMO.
2. True Leaf Market
True Leaf Market sells unique seed varieties for microgreen growing, including Chinese Mahogany, Borage, Shungiku, Nasturtium, and Shiso Perilla. They also offer a wide selection of vegetable, herb, and flower seeds. All of their seeds are non-GMO.
3. Tyler Farms
Tyler Farms sells premium all natural pepper and tropical seeds, including rare and exotic varieties like the California Reaper. They grow each seed themselves and prioritize the quality and health of the environment. All their seeds are non-GMO and they offer a variety of heat levels, including multiple pages of super hot pepper seeds.
4. Local Farmers Markets
Many local farmers markets offer a variety of sprouting seeds, including some exotic varieties. This is a great way to support local farmers and find unique seeds that you might not be able to find elsewhere.
5. Online Marketplaces
Online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon offer a variety of sprouting seeds, including some exotic varieties. Make sure to read the seller's reviews and check for shipping and return policies before making a purchase.
Tips for Buying Exotic Sprouting Seeds
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Make sure to buy seeds that are appropriate for your growing conditions and the time of year.
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Look for organic and non-GMO seeds whenever possible.
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If you're buying seeds online, make sure to read the seller's reviews and check for shipping and return policies.
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Consider buying from local farmers markets to support small businesses and find unique seed varieties.
Tips for Growing Exotic Sprouting Seeds
Growing exotic sprouting seeds can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your sprouting seeds:
1. Choose the Right Seeds
When choosing seeds, make sure to select varieties that are appropriate for your growing conditions. Consider factors like temperature, humidity, and light requirements.
2. Soak Your Seeds
Soaking your seeds before sprouting can help to speed up the germination process. Simply place your seeds in a bowl of water and let them soak for 8-12 hours before planting.
3. Use the Right Sprouting Method
There are several different methods for sprouting seeds, including jar sprouting, tray sprouting, and bag sprouting. Choose the method that works best for the seeds you're growing.
4. Keep Your Seeds Moist
Most sprouting seeds require moisture to germinate and grow. Make sure to keep your seeds moist by misting them with water regularly.
5. Give Your Seeds Plenty of Light
Many sprouting seeds require light to grow and develop. Make sure to provide your seeds with plenty of natural light or a grow light if necessary.
6. Harvest Your Sprouts at the Right Time
Different sprouting seeds will have different harvest times. Make sure to research the specific variety you're growing and harvest your sprouts at the right time to get the best flavor and texture.
7. Store Your Sprouts Properly
Once your sprouts are harvested, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container and rinse them before use.
Get Sprouting!
Growing exotic sprouts is a great way to add unique flavors and textures to your meals. With a little bit of research and some experimentation, you can discover a whole world of exciting sprouts to try.
Remember to choose the right seeds for your growing conditions, soak your seeds before sprouting, and use the right sprouting method. Keep your seeds moist, give them plenty of light, and harvest them at the right time for the best flavor.
If you're interested in learning more about sprouting, check out our other great content on emergencypreparedness.cc. We offer a wide range of articles and resources on topics like gardening, food preservation, and emergency preparedness. Thanks for reading!
FAQ
Who sells exotic sprouting seeds?
Sprout People, True Leaf Market, and Tyler Farms are great options.
What are some exotic sprouting seed varieties?
Chinese Mahogany, Borage, and Shiso Perilla are unique options.
How do I grow exotic sprouting seeds?
Soak the seeds, use the right sprouting method, and give them plenty of light.
What if my exotic sprouting seeds don't sprout?
Make sure to use fresh seeds and follow the instructions carefully.
Who can I ask for help with growing exotic sprouts?
Local gardening experts or online gardening forums are good resources.
How long do exotic sprouting seeds take to grow?
It varies depending on the variety, but most sprouts are ready in 3-10 days.
