Chia seeds have become one of the most popular nutrition- dense super foods in the health industry. Rich in omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidants, these tiny black seeds provide fiber, calcium, iron and easy to digest. However, research reveals that sprouting chia seeds help boost their nutritional value even further. Growing chia microgreens help provide the added benefits of chlorophyll which is powerful blood cleanser and blood builder. Chia sprouts resemble Cress in both appearance and taste and can be harvested easily with a pair of scissors. So if you are planning to sprout chia seeds, listed below are three different ways that help you sprout them easily at home.
Ways for growing micro- chia greens

#1: Using Terra Cotta Dish

• Spread a thin layer of the seeds on the base of a terra cotta dish.
• Place the dish on a larger plate filled with water.
• Cover it with a plate.
• The terracotta dish will gradually soak up water from the plate placed below and provide the chia seeds the right amount of water to sprout.
• Mist the seeds lightly with fresh, clean water on the second and third days.
• After about 2-3 days, the chia sprouts are ready to be harvested.

#2: Using a Mason jar

• Wash chia seeds (1/2 cup) in cold and drain through the wire mesh to remove chaff or broken seeds.
• Add the seeds to a clean wide mouth mason jar.
• Add warm water to the jar, twice the volume of the seeds.
• Allow it to soak for 12 to 24 hours.
• Drain the water and rinse the seeds thoroughly.
• Place the Mason jar with seeds in the dark to encourage sprouting.
• Within a couple of days, seeds will sprout to 1/8 to ½ inch high.

#3: Using a linen or nylon cloth

• Place a nylon or linen cloth on a plate.
• Wet the cloth by spraying a fine mist of water on it.
• Sprinkle a thin layer of the seeds on the cloth and mist them with clean, fresh water.
• Cover the seeds with a plate, taking care to mist them at least once a day.
• Within 2-3 days, the seeds are ready to be harvested.

Tips for Sprouting Chia seeds

•When chia seeds become moist, covering the dish, plate or jar with foil will help trap in the moisture and help it grow quickly.
•For fastest sprouting results, always use filtered or bottled spring water to grow the seeds.
•Maintaining a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees around the seeds during the germination and growing period will help the seeds grow best.

Chia sprouts can be stored in a partially closed container in the refrigerator. However, to gain maximum benefits, it is recommended that you use them within 10 days.