I get asked every now & then about onion and chive sprouts in my mixes. I don't sell them, because, from what I've been able to find so far, chive seeds are around $500 a kg !! Maybe there are some way more reasonable out there......?
But, instead, what I've done is seed-saved the garlic chives seeds from my own garden. To be honest, I actually harvested these ones a least 12 months ago, and they've been sitting in my kitchen waiting for me to attempt 'winnowing' them.
Well, finally last week (before the bubba was born) I decided to give it a go. When you collect seed for sprouting, getting them clean from all debris is really important so they don't spoil when in your jar, bag or tiered sprouter.
I put the little black seeds in the sieve and went out side, gently blowing underneath it. I lost a few seeds, but much of the dried debris flew out. I'd love to learn how to do it properly, with the right equipment.... a goal for 2013.
When I soaked them in my sprout jar I scooped out any remaining bits that floated to the surface. Then added Alfalfa & radish seeds and sprouted as per usual.
The results : little chive sprouts amongst my alfalfa & radish - YUM !
They didn't start sprouting as early as the alfalfa & radish, and at first I thought they weren't going to sprout at all, but about day 4, I think, they started and just kept growing. Success !
Well, I'm ready to harvest yet more little black seeds soon, as my garlic chives all start to flower & go to seed. Maybe you'd like to give it a try?
