Lifestyle Desk: Sprouts are very healthy, but if not prepared properly, they can also cause harm. In the summer season, the risk of sprouts getting spoiled increases a lot and hence it is very important to be careful while consuming them. Because even if we eat contaminated sprouts by mistake, they can cause great harm to our health. Let us understand the complete precautions in simple language.
It is very important to wash thoroughly. Wash pulses/cereals (mung, gram, fenugreek) at least 2–3 times with clean water, so that dust, pesticides and dirt are removed.
Soak in clean water for 6–8 hours or overnight. If you want, you can add a little vinegar or salt, this reduces bacteria.
Keep in a wet cloth or clean container. Wash lightly with water once daily. Do not use if there is excessive moisture or foul smell.
Eat the sprouts within 1–2 days. Keep in the refrigerator, but keeping it for a longer period may cause bacteria to grow.
People with weak immunity, children, elderly or pregnant women should eat lightly boiled or steamed sprouts. There is a risk of bacteria (like E. coli, Salmonella) in raw sprouts. Identify bad sprouts, if they have these symptoms then throw them away immediately. Odor, stickiness, color change.
Eating too much can cause gas, flatulence or indigestion, so take it in balanced quantities only.
These problems can occur if the sprouts are contaminated.
