Bean sprout is easy to prepare and is highly nutritious too. The key is to keep it fresh, so learn the different ways on how to store bean sprouts!
Bean sprout is perhaps one of the cheapest and easiest foods to prepare. And this sprouting the beans is not even that complicated.
So, if you are curious on how to store bean sprouts for recipes, then this guide is for you!
But let’s get to know its health benefits first:
Health Benefits Of Eating Bean Sprout
Research have shown that bean sprouts have high levels of antioxidants, which basically help our immune system and deliver additional nutrients all throughout the body.
Therefore, storing bean sprouts for eating is definitely a great idea.
Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Most bean sprouts are from mung beans which only contain around 31 calories per cup. In most recipes, you only need two cups to prepare a dish for one person, add the calories from seasonings and other condiments, you can’t go over 100 calories for this one.
Amazing, right?
Helps Reduce Inflammation
It also has some anti-inflammatory properties that lower high blood pressure as well as high body temperatures.
In fact, mung bean soup is quite popular in many Asian countries and is believed to be very helpful on hot summer days.
Great Source Of Fiber
Bean sprouts are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which is why they are filling even when you consume only a cup.
So, if you are after foods that are rich in fiber, then learning how to store bean sprouts is a must. Studies have proven that when the beans are sprouted, it increases its fiber content.
How To Store Bean Sprouts
As I mentioned earlier, bean sprouts are best eaten fresh. So, it is important that you store them properly so as to prolong their freshness.
Here are some of the ways to store bean sprout at home:
1. Store In Ziplock
This is the easiest and most conventional way of storing bean sprout.
- First, you need to wash them with cold water and remove any residue and seed coats.
- Get a big colander and remove the water from the sprouts.
- Prepare some paper towels and put them on a clean and flat surface.
- Add some layers depending on the amount of bean sprout you want to store.
- Put the bean sprouts on top of the paper towel and roll it, securing the sprouts inside.
- The remaining moisture in the sprouts will dampen the paper towel, which will keep the sprouts fresh for a little longer.
- Seal your Ziplock and store in the vegetable freezer.
2. Make Use Of Icy Water
The second method is to use really cold and icy water. This method allows you to store bean sprouts much longer than using a plastic bag.
- Wash the bean sprouts with cold water, getting all the dirt and any residue.
- Get a cylindrical container and gently put the sprouts inside.
- Be careful not to put too much force when moving the sprout.
- Add some really icy water (the ones that just came out from the freezer, so you need to prepare it beforehand).
- Make sure all parts of the sprouts are submerged in water.
- Close the lid and seal your container.
- You need to change the water at least twice a day and make sure the low temperature is controlled.
3. Add Some Lemon
Next is by adding some lemon slices in the water. This method is not so common but it does work.
- Wash your sprouts with cold water.
- Put them in a container, preferably one with a lid and is airtight.
- It is also recommended to use steel or glass containers.
- Place the bean sprouts inside and fill with cold water.
- Make sure the water covers all parts of the bean sprouts.
- Get your lemon, then wash and slice them, making some thin lemon wheels.
- Add the slices of lemon on top. This will keep the sprouts fresh for an extended period of time.
- Seal the container and store bean sprouts in the fridge.
There you have it! Which method do you find the easiest? I personally love the one with lemon since it also adds flavor to my sprouts.
Hope this article about how to store bean sprouts helps you!