Mung beans are one of the most popularly grown sprouts for their taste, texture, and many benefits. You can often find mung bean sprouts garnishing popular Asian cuisines, such as pad Thai, spring rolls, pho, and many other soups, stir-fries, and salads. This is not only due to their delicious juicy crunch but also for their cultural significance and symbolism of prosperity and good health. With their rich concentration of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein, mung beans offer incredible health benefits, including improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and immune support.

While mung bean sprouts are incredibly easy to grow by using the jar or tray methods, many sprout growers wonder how they can grow restaurant-style sprouts with their long and juicy roots. The key is darkness! When growing sprouts in the open they are exposed to some light that causes them to start developing cotyledon leaves. In order to prevent this, it is important to block out light. These sprouting steps will walk you through a simple and easy method for growing healthy mung bean sprouts worthy of the culinary arts.

Supplies Needed

• Organic Mung Bean Seeds
• Cardboard Carton
• Funnel
• Jar or Cup
• Water

Steps to Growing Restaurant-Style Mung Bean Sprouts

1. Soak the mung beans in cold water for 4-6 hours. This first soak helps the seed coat to soften and hydrate the seed, pulling it out of the dormancy period and initiating growth. Seeds can be drowned by soaking them for too long. However, this will require several hours past the recommended range. An extra hour or two won’t hurt them.

2. Use scissors to cut off the four corners of the top section of the carton (for ventilation). While the cardboard cartons are great for blocking out light, they need to be altered to allow for water drainage. Cut a sliver off of the top four corners for the rinse and draining steps.

3. Add the soaked beans to the carton and close the container. We recommend using a funnel with a large opening or a piping bag to easily transfer the hydrated seeds.

4. Rinse and drain the carton with water 2-3 times a day. Place the carton in a dark place after rinsing to force root development. This may be a dark pantry, cabinet, or under a dark-colored towel. Use whatever is convenient for you.

5. After 4-5 days, cut open the carton. Give the sprouts one last rinse and enjoy!

Other Sprouting Methods and Supplies