Mix Beans Sprouts
This product is organically grown.
Specialty Produce is certified to handle organics.
Our California registration number is: 37-1293 Organically grown.
Estimated Inventory, 6 ct : 0
This item was last sold on : 03/11/24
Description/Taste
Mixed Bean sprouts consist of multiple varieties of germinated beans that have just begun to sprout shoots. The small beans widely vary in size and shape, depending on the variety, and range from round and plump, oval, to round, narrow, and flat. The germinated beans also vary in color from pale green, tan, brown, to green-brown and generally have a smooth surface with a slender, white shoot attached. Mixed Bean sprouts bear a crunchy, starchy, and tender consistency and contain a blend of sweet, mild, nutty, and peppery flavors with fresh green and grassy nuances.
Seasons/Availability
Mixed Bean sprouts are available year-round
Current Facts
Mixed Bean sprouts are a blend of germinated bean varieties belonging to the Fabaceae family. The beans, also sometimes known as seeds, are traditionally rinsed, drained, and soaked in water continuously for 2 to 5 days, depending on the individual variety. Many different legumes can be grown for sprouts, with the most popular being mung beans, red and green lentils, adzuki beans, garbanzo beans, soybeans, and peas. The Mixed Bean sprouts in the photograph above are a blend of organic peas and lentils. Sprouted beans have been cultivated since ancient times and are highly valued for their nutritional properties and easy-to-digest nature. The art of sprouting beans is primarily practiced in Asia, but in the modern-day, the practice has expanded into the Western world as more healthcare professionals are speaking to the small sprout’s benefits. Mixed Bean sprouts can be grown hydroponically through commercial corporations, or they are naturally sprouted in home kitchens. It is important to note that sprouting seeds in unsanitary conditions can produce dangerous and harmful bacteria. Sprouts should be purchased fresh from a trusted source, and if sprouting at home, the seeds used should be organic, non-GMO, or labeled as a certified sprouting seed.
Nutritional Value
Mixed Bean sprouts are an excellent source of fiber to stimulate the digestive tract and are rich in vitamin C to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. The sprouts also contain antioxidants to protect the body against free radical damage, iron to build the protein hemoglobin to transport oxygen in the bloodstream, and calcium to improve bones and teeth. The process of sprouting the beans helps to increase nutrients such as zinc, folate, and magnesium, and the starchy endosperm is also broken down, making the beans easier to digest.
Applications
Mixed Bean sprouts have a crunchy consistency and a fresh, green flavor well-suited for both raw and cooked applications. Each sprouted bean variety will have a slightly different texture and taste, and the germinated seeds can be tossed fresh into salads, grain bowls, and sandwiches. Mixed Bean sprouts can also be incorporated into dips and salsas, layered into spring rolls, sprinkled over avocado toast, or mixed with light oils and vinegar as a side dish. In addition to using the sprouts fresh, Mixed Bean sprouts can be incorporated into curries and soups, lightly cooked into stir-fries, or combined into rice and noodle dishes such as pad Thai. The sprouts can also be quick pickled as a tangy side dish. Mixed Bean sprouts pair well with bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, meats such as pork, poultry, and beef, tofu, and spices including turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander, garlic, and garam masala. Freshly sprouted legumes should be consumed immediately for the best quality and flavor but will keep 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in a sealed container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Sprouted beans are frequently incorporated into popular street foods in Mumbai, India. Mumbai is the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra and is one of the most populated cities in the country. Within the crowded streets, vendors line the roadways with easy-to-eat, on-the-go dishes that are favored as afternoon snacks and quick meals. Misal and usal is a favored street food curry dish in Mumbai consisting of Mixed Sprouted beans incorporated into a sauce filled with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices. The curry is traditionally served with a bread roll known as pav and is considered a filling and nutritious meal. Outside of street vendors, misal pav has become so popular that it can also be found at neighborhood restaurants and fine dining establishments as a typical breakfast dish. In 2015, misal pav at the famous Aaswad restaurant in Mumbai was awarded one of the best vegetarian dishes at the FoodieHub Awards in London. The 30-year-old, family-run establishment is a favorite restaurant among Mumbai residents and has received international fame for its vegetarian cuisine.
Geography/History
Sprouting legumes has been practiced for thousands of years and was first recorded in ancient Chinese medicinal texts. Experts believe Chinese sailors carried sprouted mung beans on exploration voyages as a nutritional defense against scurvy, and over time, the art of sprouting legumes was shared along trade routes across Asia into the Middle East and Europe. Sprouted legumes primarily remained an Asian practice for centuries, but in the mid to late 20th century, the method of germinating seeds became assimilated into Western culture, valued in the health food sector for its nutritional benefits. Today, Mixed Bean sprouts are common in supermarkets, specialty grocers, and health food stores across the United States. The sprouted beans are also found through markets worldwide and are grown by home chefs as a fresh culinary ingredient.
