Last updated on January 8th, 2025 at 04:21 pm
Mung bean sprouts are a popular food among many people. However, they are also one of the foods most likely to be treated with chemicals to stimulate growth and freshness. Therefore, many people are interested in methods of making mung bean sprouts at home to ensure that they are clean and safe.
Here are 6 simple ways to grow mung bean sprouts at home. Let’s take a look!
1. How to Make Mung Bean Sprouts Using a Plastic Basket
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to make mung bean sprouts at home is by using a plastic basket. To start, gather the following materials:
Materials Needed:
- 25 – 30 grams of mung beans
- A plastic basket with a diameter of 35 – 40 cm
- A small ceramic or glass plate, or plastic cutting board to fit inside the basket
- 4 pieces of gauze cloth (the size should match the size of the basket)
Steps:
- Sort out the mung beans, removing any damaged or unripe beans. Rinse the beans well, then soak them in cold water for about 10 – 12 hours. You can change the water a couple of times during soaking to keep the beans clean. After soaking, when the beans have cracked and started to sprout, rinse them under running water.
- Lay the gauze cloth at the bottom of the basket, spreading the beans evenly on top. Then, cover the beans with another layer of gauze to ensure they are fully covered. Place the plate or cutting board on top of the beans inside the basket.
- Cover the basket with a black plastic bag or store it in a place that has no direct sunlight. Twice a day (morning and evening), remove the plate, lift the basket (with the gauze still covering the beans), rinse the beans under running water, let them drain, and then place the basket back in the container. After 3 days, the sprouts will be ready to harvest.
For more tips on sprouting mung beans and ensuring the best results, you can explore:
- How to Ensure the Quality of Mung Beans for Sprouting
- Green Mung Bean Manufacturer & Supplier from Vietnam
2. How to Make Mung Bean Sprouts Without Watering
For those who are often forgetful or don’t have much time to care for the sprouts, making mung bean sprouts without needing to water them is a great option.
Materials Needed:
- 50 – 70 grams of mung beans
- A styrofoam container at least 30 x 30 cm in size
- Clean gauze or thick towel that absorbs water well
Steps:
- Soak the mung beans overnight until they swell and split, then rinse them gently and remove any bad beans.
- Dip the towel into water and squeeze out excess moisture, leaving it just damp. Lay the towel evenly at the bottom of the styrofoam container. Spread half of the mung beans on top of the towel, then cover them with another damp towel. Spread the remaining beans on top and cover again with the damp towel. Place a plastic cutting board or a suitable flat object on top, and put about 1 – 1.5 kg of weight on it.
- Wrap the entire container with a dark cloth or black plastic bag, then place it in an area with no direct sunlight. After about 2.5 – 3 days, you will have fresh and white sprouts ready for harvesting.
3. How to Make Mung Bean Sprouts Using a Kettle
This is another easy method for making mung bean sprouts, and it’s simple and effective.
Materials Needed:
- 20 – 25 grams of mung beans
- An electric kettle
Steps:
- Soak the mung beans as described above, and let them swell and split. Rinse the beans with water.
- Place the mung beans in the kettle. Slowly pour water into the kettle, being careful not to pour too quickly, as this could break the beans. When pouring, tilt the kettle so that the water flows gently along the sides and doesn’t directly hit the beans. After pouring, shake the kettle a bit, then discard the water and repeat the process three times.
- After completing the rinsing steps, place the kettle in a clean, ventilated place without direct sunlight. Every 3 – 4 hours, repeat the process of adding water and discarding it. After about 3 days, the sprouts will be plump, white, and ready to eat.
4. How to Make Mung Bean Sprouts Using a Milk Carton
This method allows you to recycle a used milk carton, saving space and effort. The milk carton method helps the sprouts grow better due to the enclosed space, making them grow faster than other methods.
Materials Needed:
- A 1-liter milk carton
- 20 – 25 grams of mung beans
Steps:
- Rinse the mung beans and soak them as described earlier.
- Clean the milk carton, then place the mung beans inside, securing the top with the lid. Cut four small holes in the carton and place the beans inside.
- Every 6 – 8 hours, submerge the entire milk carton in water for 5 – 10 minutes, then drain out the water completely. Place the carton in a cool, dark place. After about 3 days, the milk carton will be swollen and tight, and the mung bean sprouts will be ready to harvest.
5. How to Make Mung Bean Sprouts Using a Mesh Bag
A simple, eco-friendly way to sprout mung beans using a mesh bag often used for fruits and vegetables.
Materials Needed:
- 30 grams of mung beans
- A mesh bag (commonly used for fruits or onions)
Steps:
- Soak the mung beans in warm water (about 40°C) for 6-8 hours to let them swell and split.
- After soaking, place the beans in the mesh bag and tie it tightly. Place the bag into a plastic basket and cover it with a cloth. Store the basket in a place that does not have direct sunlight.
- Twice a day, submerge the mesh bag in clean water for 5 minutes, then hang it up to drain. By the third day, you’ll have fresh, plump mung bean sprouts that are ready for harvest.
6. How to Make Mung Bean Sprouts Using a Plastic Bottle
You can also make mung bean sprouts by repurposing an empty plastic bottle.
Materials Needed:
- A 1.5-liter plastic bottle
- 20 – 30 grams of mung beans
- A sharp tool to create holes in the bottle
Steps:
- Rinse the mung beans and soak them for about 1 hour in a mixture of cold and hot water (3:2 ratio).
- Poke holes in the plastic bottle, spacing them about 3 cm apart. Place the beans inside the bottle, and lay it sideways in a cool, dark place.
- Water the beans twice a day by submerging the bottle in water for 1 minute, then drain completely. After 2 – 3 days, the mung bean sprouts will be ready for harvest.
Some Important Tips for Making Mung Bean Sprouts at Home
- Choose high-quality mung beans to ensure the best sprouting results.
- If using water regularly, make sure to water the beans at least twice daily to prevent them from drying out.
- Avoid using damaged beans as they may not sprout properly.
- The average yield is around 400 – 600 grams of sprouts for every 20 – 25 grams of mung beans.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy fresh, clean mung bean sprouts right from your home. If you’re looking for high-quality mung beans for sprouting, check out the following resources:
