Alfalfa Sprouts Delivery or Pickup

Alfalfa sprouts are the young seedlings of the plant of the same name. The reason we use sprouts and not mature alfalfa plants is that the plant's leaves grow very bitter as they mature. But when the sprouts are harvested early, they can provide a healthy boost to your recipes.

These sprouts are described as having a mild, nutty taste. They also add a satisfying crunchy texture to dishes. Alfalfa sprouts can be identified by their white stems and small green leaves.

People have been using alfalfa sprouts for their health benefits for hundreds of years. Alfalfa is offered in several forms, including raw sprouts and supplements. This legume is sought-after for its rich content of minerals and vitamins.

If you're shopping for raw alfalfa sprouts, make sure that they are dry and still have good color. Once alfalfa sprouts start to get slimy and wilted, they are not good anymore. Raw alfalfa sprouts are often sold in bunches and plastic containers. Lift the plastic container and inspect the sprouts from all sides to ensure you're getting the freshest product.

Do not eat raw alfalfa sprouts without washing them. Fresh alfalfa sprouts can carry foodborne illnesses and must be thoroughly cleaned or cooked before they are eaten. If you have problems with your immune system, avoid eating alfalfa sprouts.

If you purchase pre-packaged and prepared alfalfa sprouts, you generally don't have to worry about these foodborne illnesses. But if you buy whole sprouts, you should still wash them before you eat them. As you wash your sprouts, look for any that look soggy and throw them away. Smell your sprouts — if they smell bad, throw them away. You should also look out for dark sprouts and remove them as well.

Once you've washed and prepared your alfalfa sprouts, you can add them to your recipes. If you plan on putting them on top of something that doesn't require cooking, such as a sandwich or salad, toast the sprouts in the oven for a couple of minutes. If you're going to add the sprouts to something such as a soup or stir-fry, you should wait to add them until you're just about done with the recipe. Cooking alfalfa sprouts for longer than a minute or two will cause them to lose their crunchy texture.