Alfalfa sprouts grow quickly and are ready to eat within just a few days. But to keep them fresh, crisp, and safe to eat, it’s important to harvest and store them correctly. In this guide, you’ll learn the best time to harvest your alfalfa sprouts and how to store them properly for maximum shelf life and flavour.
When Are Alfalfa Sprouts Ready to Harvest?
Alfalfa sprouts are typically ready to harvest 5 to 6 days after soaking. They should be around 4 to 6 cm long, with small green leaves and thin white stems.
Harvest when:
- The leaves have opened and turned pale to bright green
- The jar is nearly full of sprouts
- There is no foul smell, slime, or visible mold
Letting sprouts grow too long can lead to bitterness, overgrowth, or rotting—so aim for peak freshness around Day 6.
Step-by-Step Harvesting Instructions
1. Rinse the Sprouts One Last Time
Remove the lid or mesh from your jar and rinse the sprouts with cool, clean water. This helps wash away any debris or excess seed hulls.
2. Remove Seed Hulls (Optional)
Place the sprouts in a large bowl of cool water. Gently swirl to loosen the brown seed hulls, which will float to the top. Skim them off and discard.
While hulls are edible, removing them improves appearance and texture—and reduces moisture buildup in storage.
3. Drain Thoroughly
Use a colander or salad spinner to remove excess water. Pat sprouts dry with a clean tea towel or paper towel. Moisture is the main cause of spoilage, so make sure they are as dry as possible before storing.
How to Store Alfalfa Sprouts
Once dry, transfer your sprouts into a clean, airtight container. A plastic or glass container with a paper towel lining works best.
Storage tips:
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- Line the bottom of the container with a dry paper towel to absorb moisture
- Loosely cover with a lid or use a breathable container if storing longer than 3 days
- Store in the fridge (ideally between 1–4°C)
Sprouts are best eaten fresh but can last up to 5–7 days when kept dry and cold.
How to Keep Sprouts Fresh for Longer
- Only harvest what you’ll eat within a few days
- Keep dry—check for moisture daily and replace the paper towel if damp
- Don’t rinse again until just before eating
- Label your container with the harvest date
Proper handling makes a huge difference in shelf life and taste. Fresh sprouts should stay crisp, not soggy or musty.
Can You Freeze Alfalfa Sprouts?
Freezing is not recommended for alfalfa sprouts. They are over 90% water and will become mushy and unpalatable after thawing.
If you have too many to use, consider sharing with a friend or adding to a compost bin rather than freezing.
How to Tell If Sprouts Have Gone Bad
Always check your stored sprouts before eating. If they show any of the following signs, discard them immediately:
- Sour or rotten smell
- Sticky or slimy texture
- Visible mold or dark spots
Sprouts should smell fresh and look vibrant. If something seems off, it’s better to be safe and start a new batch.
Summary: Harvest & Storage Checklist
- ✅ Harvest when green leaves appear and stems are 4–6 cm
- ✅ Rinse and (optionally) remove hulls in a bowl
- ✅ Dry thoroughly with a towel or spinner
- ✅ Store in a container lined with paper towel
- ✅ Refrigerate and eat within 5–7 days
Want to keep sprouting regularly? Grow smaller batches every few days to enjoy fresh sprouts without waste.
Next: Learn How to Eat Them!
Now that you’ve harvested your alfalfa sprouts, it’s time to use them in your meals. Check out our simple recipes and creative ideas here:
👉 Creative Ways to Use Alfalfa Sprouts
