How to Purchase and Store Alfalfa and Bean Sprouts
A serving size of alfalfa sprouts is 1 cup and contains about 10 calories. A serving size of bean sprouts is also 1 cup and contains about 10 calories as well.
Purchasing alfalfa and bean sprouts is easy if you know what to look for. Here are some quick tips and best ways to purchase, handle, use and store these popular sprouts. They are a perishable product, so always keep them cold.
Purchasing Alfalfa and Bean Sprouts
While they are different in look (bean sprouts are thicker and white in color, and alfalfa sprouts are much small and more delicate in nature with green and light colors), they are shopped for the same. Look for both alfalfa and bean sprouts with no brown spots, and avoid those packages with limp-looking sprouts. Also, be sure there are no slimy parts on the bottom indicating spoilage.
Storing the Sprouts
Place in the refrigerator directly from the store; don't leave them outside for any long periods of time as they are perishable. Place in the veggie drawer of the refrigerator. They will keep for a few days in the refrigerator after purchasing. If they come in a container, keep in the container and pull off and rinse as needed, and if they are loose, store loose in sealed zipper bags.
Handling and Preparing the Sprouts
Lightly rinse off the alfalfa sprouts and bean sprouts with cool water and rinse off before using. To use, pull off the sprouts that are needed for the dish, and cover and store the rest. Alfalfa is best used raw, and bean sprouts can be blanched before using and sautéed and mixed with other ingredients. They are also a good fresh vegetable ingredient in stir fries.
Published by Sam Skipper
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- Lightly rinse sprouts before using.
- Store sprouts in the refrigerator.
- Look for sprouts free of brown spots.