My fridge died, a non-reparable death. This set up a domino effect. The consequence of that has been cleaning up the dog hair under, beside and behind the fridge as well as finding alternative homes for its contents while we await a replacement. The consequence of that has been a commitment to use up all jars and packages with only a tablespoon of contents. I vowed not to grocery shop until the fridge has been replaced. Luckily amongst the half empty packages I found some sprouting seeds or microgreens. The consequence of that is that I am sprouting seeds again. I reasoned this will satisfy our need for greens when all the limp lettuce and yellow broccoli flowers run out. Fortunately these seeds remain viable for a very long time.

I had not sprouted seeds for while. These things seem to go in phases in my life but some pea sprouts and peppery cress seemed perfect for this moment.  I had traded a large sprouter for my daughter’s small one a few years ago so after dusting it off, I sprinkled peas on one layer and cress on another. Rinsing them daily for 10 days I now have the perfect ingredients for a sandwich or a salad.

Sprouts or microgreens? Sprouts are edible seeds germinated in water. Microgreens are the same or similar plants only grown in soil or other medium to a further stage of development, when the mature stems are sheared off and eaten without the seed. For those living in a zone three climate, craving the taste of freshly harvested greens in the middle of winter these methods of growing are one of the simplest ways to get them. The sprouts or microgreens are rich in nutrients as there is a whole plant packed into that tiny seed and all they need is water to expand and become a tasty addition to our diet.

A sprouter box is a convenient gadget in which to sprout but a jar works equally well. There are many internet videos with directions for both sprouts and microgreens. However I love my little box kept beside the sink where I simply spray water over the seeds a couple of times a day. The layers come apart and the bottom collects the water. The more times you rinse, the fresher the product.

I find this process so satisfying. As a child I can remember the teacher sprinkling seeds on a damp cloth and watching them sprout. We were then treated to a Marmite and cress sandwich. I know many of readers might turn their nose up at that but I still love that combination!  Any sandwich, where green is incorporated will work and sprouts are a great addition to any salad. My favourite sprouts are still cress but radish, broccoli and others are all delicious.  Seeds for sprouting or microgreens can usually be found in a local nursery.

Although I was not happy when everything thawed in the freezer compartment of the fridge and the milk became tepid, I must say there always seems to be something positive that comes out life’s little hiccups!