Sprouts are the ultimate “superfood” trend that’s actually worth the hype. You can grow these little vitamin bombs from all sorts of seeds, but garden cress is the absolute superstar of the bunch. If you’re a beginner, cress is your best friend—it’s fast, reliable, and gives you that “green thumb” win almost instantly!
Stick with Organic Seeds
If we want our food to be healthy, it has to start with high-quality ingredients. When you’re growing sprouts, always reach for organic seeds. You can find them online or at your local health food store, whether you want a tiny packet or a bulk bag. While you won’t be able to harvest seeds from your windowsill crop, if you have a backyard, you can definitely sow some cress there specifically to let it go to seed for next time. Just remember to store your seeds in a cool, dark place—a glass jar with a tight lid works perfectly.
Growing Cress Sprouts in a Sprouter
Using a specialized sprouting jar or tray is a game-changer. All you need is water to turn those tiny seeds into crunchy, nutrient-dense sprouts that taste amazing. Most seeds sold specifically for sprouting come with a quick “how-to” on the back. Stick to those instructions for the best results, but the process usually looks like this:
- Measure out your seeds (1 teaspoon is usually plenty for a standard jar).
- Give them a quick soak (about 15 minutes is all they need).
- Place them in the container while they’re still damp.
- Find a warm, bright spot for them to sit.
- Prop the jar at an angle so excess water can drain out.
- Rinse the seeds with fresh water a few times every day.
The Low-Tech Method: Growing on a Base
You don’t need fancy equipment to get started. You can sow cress seeds in a shallow dish lined with a few layers of paper towels or a thin layer of cotton wool. Just spread the seeds evenly and keep them misted with a spray bottle so they stay damp. Another trick? Spread them on a plate and cover them with a damp kitchen towel. If you decide to go the traditional route and use potting soil, I recommend sterilizing it in the oven first to keep things clean.
When is it Harvest Time?
As soon as you see that first pair of “true” leaves appearing after the initial sprouts, it’s time to eat! If you have leftovers, you can store them in a plastic bag in the fridge for a few days, but don’t wait too long. Cress loses its signature zing if you try to dry or freeze it. My advice? Only grow as much as you can enjoy fresh!