Product Review: Easy Sprout Sprouter

Many people like to sprout beans, peas, grains, greens, and even grasses in their own homes. Though it can be done well with canning jars and lids, it takes some getting used to and also has its disadvantages. There isn't enough circulation in general, and the sprouts can't be equally rinsed and drained without a mess. So, for those who want to sprout at home without the mess of jars and lids or the cost of an expensive sprouting and watering system, there is the Easy Sprout Sprouter from www.sproutpeople.com. Its best features are discussed below.

1. Growing capacity. The Easy Sprout has a capacity of one quart or one liter. This means you can grow up to one pound of clover or leafy sprouts and two pounds of bean or grain sprouts. This is enough sprouts for most dishes--including salads, dips, snacks, etc.

2. Superior circulation. As described above, a jar doesn't provide enough circulation for all the sprouts. However, the Easy Sprout comes with both a domed lid and a flat, vented lid, so you can choose the best one for any batch of sprouts. It's important to make sure all your sprouts get enough air, or they'll rot and stink up the place! The vented lid is specially designed with this in mind.

3. Compact size. The Easy Sprout sprouter is big enough for your kitchen at home and small enough for traveling. It measures 3 1/4 inches on the bottom, 4 1/2 inches on the top, and 7 inches tall. You can use the flat, vented lid while traveling to save even more space.

4. Seed insert. The Easy Sprout comes with a growing vessel, a solid base, a small seed insert, a dome lid, a flat storage lid, and a flat, vented lid. The seed insert is the best part, because its holes allow the rinse water to drain into the base. It's still recommended that you rinse and drain the sprouts well, but the Easy Sprout's drainage capabilities make this a very forgiving sprouter.

5. Great price! Some sprouters with hydrophonic systems to time rinses sell for hundreds of dollars. But these aren't necessary for good, easy, healthy sprouts. The Easy Sprout Sprouter comes with everything you need to start sprouting, for only $13.85 from www.sproutpeople.com.

If you're looking for some seeds to sample, SproutPeople also offers sampler packs of seeds. There's even a bundle for $40 including shipping, that provides the Easy Sprout Sprouter and several delicious sprout blends.

The Easy Sprout is made of High Density Polyethylene (Fortiflex® T50-3600 HDP). This is one of the few non-leaching plastics and is also Kosher.

If you want to start sprouting, the Easy Sprout Sprouter is definitely the way to go. It's great for kids and adults, and the whole family will be enjoying delicious sprouts in a matter of days--and in some cases, hours!