Tips to extend shelf life of sprouted green grams

Sprouted green grams emerge are considered a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and enzymes. These tiny green wonders not only provide a burst of freshness to our meals but also contribute to our overall well-being. They can be had as snacks at specific intervals, included in sandwiches or added to salads, and can be easily prepared at home. But since they easily get spoiled, it is crucial to extend their shelf life to maximize the benefits and savour their freshness. Here are some tips to help you preserve their vitality and flavor for an extended period:

Ensure the quality first
The first step is to remove sprouts that show signs of decay, like a change in their smell or texture. They may affect the taste of the rest of the grams as well.

Peel off the outer skin
Though the outer skin of the sprouted green grams contains a sizeable amount of fiber, not removing the outer layers may decrease their shelf life. The same can be easily done. Put the sprouts into a vessel and pour water. Now stir gently using bare hands. You can see that the skin peeling off quickly. Now drain off the water.

Don’t forget to wash them
Properly washing the sprouted green grams will help remove impurities like dust. Open the tap and gently wash the sprouts underneath them. There are chances that the skin may peel off while washing. Remove the same and store the sprouts, which prevents them from decaying for several days.

Thorough drying
Ensure that the sprouts are thoroughly dried. Excess moisture is a primary factor that can lead to decay, and proper drying is essential to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. So, if there is excess moisture, you can pat the sprouts dry with a clean muslin cloth or a kitchen towel. You can also spread them on one or two trays and keep them aside for drying.

Store them properly
Proper storage of the sprouted green grams is important. After drying, you can store them in an air-tight container or a zip-lock bag. Don’t forget to place them on a paper towel before you fill the zip-lock bag. The same will help remove the moisture content, if any. This way, the sprouts remain fresh for several days. After that, you can store them in the refrigerator.

Avoid intense cooling
Don’t ever keep the sprouted green grams inside the freezer or any corner of the fridge with excess cooling as it may bring in changes to taste and texture.