Alfalfa sprouts are young seedlings produced in just days. While alfalfa is produced for animal feed, sprouts are for human consumption. Anyone can produced alfalfa sprouts at home with a few simple items. Sprouts are grown in a cloth bag, jar or sprouting tray. They take just a few days to grow. They need little attention other than rinsing with fresh water a few times each day. Commercially grown sprouts are available in most major grocery stores.
Nutritional Facts
- 1 cup of Alfalfa sprouts contains:
- Calories: 8
- Protein: 1 grams
- Fiber: 1 grams
- Vitamin C: 5% of daily recommended
- Iron" 2% of daily recommended
- Folate: 3% of daily recommended
2010 Alfalfa Sprouts Salmonella Outbreak
The FDA has announced a recall of Alfalfa Sprouts produced by Caldwell Fresh Foods. The outbreak is linked to 22 cases of Salmonella Newport illness reported across 10 states. Caldwell Fresh Foods distributes to retailers and restaurants. Retailers involved include Trader Joe's and Wal-Martj. No deaths have been reported. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm213136.htm
2009 Salmonella Outbreak
On April 26, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and the FDA are advised people not to eat raw alfalfa sprouts due to at least 31 confirmed cases of people getting infected by Salmonella Saintpaul due to the consumption of the sprout. The cases have occurred in Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia.WebMD: FDA, CDC: Don't Eat Raw Alfalfa Sprouts Because... (April 27, 2009)
Featured Video: How to Grow Sprouts
John Gallagher, shares his experience with growing sprouts for the first time. John created this DIY video for http://www.mountainroseherbs.com. John demonstrates the use of a mason jar for growing sprouts and then discuss alternative methods.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Requires no soil to grow
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Fact:
Temperature must be cool to properly grow sprouts
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Fact:
The emerge in approximately seven days
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Major state producer
California, South Dakota and Wisconsin
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Fact:
Alfalfa sprouts have been linked to a number of food-borne disease outbreaks, including Salmonella and Escherichia coliFDA: Questions Keep Sprouting About Sprouts
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Fact:
Often used for salads and sandwiches
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Fact:
1999 market for sprouts in the U.S. is approx. $250 millionFDA: Questions Keep Sprouting About Sprouts
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1999 domestic production
300,000 tons
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Fact:
Biggest outbreak E. coli occurred in Japan in 1996; 9,000 people were effectedFDA: Questions Keep Sprouting About Sprouts
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Fact:
Commonly used in Chinese cuisine
