Grow Chia
Chia is an edible plant that most people know because the seeds are sold with the Chia Pets family of products. However, chia seeds can be purchased and grown in almost any location. The seeds grow quickly and resemble sprouts when fully mature. Chia comes from the Salvia hispanica plant and is native to Mexico. According to the Sprout People website, Chia seeds are mucilaginous, which means they produce a thick, gel-like mucus when wet. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Turn a plastic food storage container over and use the tip of a knife to create five to six small holes on the bottom to allow for water drainage. Turn the bowl over and set it on a plate or a shallow tray to catch water as it drains out.
2. Fold three to four paper towels in half or quarters so that they fit inside the container.
3. Apply 1/2 to 1 cup of water to the paper towels until they are completely saturated.
4. Sprinkle the chia seeds over the surface of the wet paper towel as evenly as possible. Try to allow 1/4 inch between seeds so that they do not touch each other.
5. Cover the container with a piece of clear plastic wrap to retain moisture, which will help promote chia seed germination.
6. Place the container in an indoor location that has a temperature of approximately 70 degrees Fahrenheit and low light conditions.
7. Observe the seeds daily until you start to see green growth emerge from the seeds. You will not need to add water during this period, since the plastic wrap prevents it from evaporating.
8. Move the container near a window once you see the sprouts emerge. Remove the plastic wrap from the top of the container and start to water the paper towel once per day with 1/2 cup of water to keep it moist at all times.
Tags: plastic wrap, chia seeds, Grow Chia, paper towel, paper towels