Red cabbage sprouts are a vibrant, nutrient-dense addition to your meals. Mild in flavour with a beautiful purple colour, these sprouts are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and sulforaphane. This guide shows you exactly how to grow them easily at home for fresh, living nutrition.
What Are Red Cabbage Sprouts?
Red cabbage sprouts are the young shoots of red cabbage seeds. Grown for just a few days, they deliver a concentrated dose of vitamins C, K, and phytonutrients. They’re delicious in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or as a colourful garnish.
What You’ll Need
- Red cabbage sprouting seeds
- A clean glass jar or sprouting tray
- A mesh lid or breathable cloth and rubber band
- Filtered water (chlorine-free)
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Red Cabbage Sprouts
- Measure Seeds: Use about 1–2 tablespoons of seeds per jar or tray. Rinse them well under cool water to remove dust.
- Soak: Place the seeds in your sprouting jar, cover with water, and soak for 6–8 hours or overnight.
- Drain and Rinse: Pour off the soaking water, then rinse with fresh water and drain thoroughly.
- Sprout: Place the jar upside down at a slight angle to allow excess water to drain. Keep it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
- Rinse Twice Daily: Every morning and evening, rinse and drain the sprouts to keep them fresh and moist.
- Harvest: After 4–6 days, your sprouts will have green leaves and purple stems. Give them a final rinse and drain well.
- Store: Store harvested sprouts in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Tips for Success
- Always drain thoroughly to prevent mould.
- Use cool, filtered water—chlorine can inhibit germination.
- If growing in warm conditions, rinse three times daily to stay fresh.
- For extra crispness, refrigerate sprouts for a few hours before eating.
Nutrition Benefits
Red cabbage sprouts are rich in sulforaphane, a compound studied extensively by Dr. Jed Fahey for its potential health benefits, including supporting cellular health and reducing inflammation.
Common Questions
Why are my sprouts mouldy?
Usually, this means there was too much moisture and poor airflow. Be sure to drain well and rinse regularly.
Can I grow red cabbage microgreens instead?
Yes—simply sow the seeds in a shallow tray with soil or coconut coir. Mist daily and harvest when the first true leaves appear (about 10–14 days).
How much light do sprouts need?
Sprouts grow best in indirect light. Keep them out of direct sun until they’re ready to green up slightly before harvest.