Use seeds sold specifically for sprouting. Choose the supplier’s tested instructions for that seed, because soaking time and harvest stage vary. A clean jar and mesh lid support the process, but cleanliness does not make raw…
## Start with the seed, not the jar Use seeds sold specifically for sprouting. Choose the supplier’s tested instructions for that seed, because soaking time and harvest stage vary. A clean jar and mesh lid support the process, but cleanliness does not make raw sprouts risk-free. ## The rhythm to learn Soak according to the seed instructions. Drain fully, fit the mesh lid and tilt the jar so water can escape. Rinse on the seed supplier’s schedule and drain every time. Record what you see rather than treating a calendar day as a promise that the batch is ready. ## Let the pictures guide the action Our twelve-step visual guide shows seed selection, soaking, mesh fitting, drainage, jar angle, rinsing, growth, light, harvest, cleaning, drying and chilling. The guide is a process companion; the selected seed instructions provide the exact timings. ## Food safety belongs in the process Warm, moist growing conditions can also support harmful bacteria. Washing does not remove every risk. People who are pregnant, very young, older or immunocompromised should avoid raw or lightly cooked sprouts. Cooking thoroughly lowers the risk. ## Open your field guide Use the Visual guides menu and choose Jar Sprouts. Mark each action as you complete it, then open the Kitchen tracker if you want to record the batch. Source: [FDA produce and sprout safety](https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-produce-safely). [Open the illustrated and narrated kitchen guides](/guides).