April’s Grain of the Month is not technically one grain, but a category of grains – sprouted grains – which are popping up on the scene more and more often. Sprouted grains are simply whole grain kernels that have begun to germinate, producing a tiny plant shoot. It’s this tiny change in the seed that produces large nutritional changes.

Supporters of sprouted grains argue that, in addition to all of the widely known health benefits of whole grains, sprouted grains have the added benefit of being more easily digestible. Our friends at To Your Health Sprouted Flour Co. state that, “when grains are sprouted they are converted into a living food with more vital nutrients which are more readily absorbed by the body. Sprouting also increases B vitamins in the grain, especially B1, 2, 3, and 5. Biotin, folic acid and vitamin C also increase. Sprouting also aids in the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc.”  Want to know more? Check out the many health studies on our website that explore the plusses of sprouted grains.

With all of these added benefits, it’s no wonder that more and more manufacturers are trying their hands at sprouting grains. You can find numerous products on the market now made with sprouted grain flours, or buy intact sprouted grains from companies, including many Whole Grains Council member companies who are excited to be exploring this new territory.

But what if you want to take on the experiment yourself? Many people have taken to milling their own whole grain flours at home, so why not sprouting? Although sprouting grains may seem like a straightforward process, it is in fact a fickle practice. There is an art to the method, combining the right amounts of time, temperature, and moisture. If you are not careful, the grain can drown, ferment, or grow unsafe bacteria, or if left germinating for too long can begin to produce a new grass stalk, after which it loses its digestibility. But all of this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a go! We recommend taking a look at the To Your Health How-To page to get started.

Below, we’ve included our favorite resources detailing sprouted grains and the best ways to use them. If sprouted grains are new to you, give them a shot using some of these tips and let us know what you think!

To Your Health Sprouted Flour Co. Resources

Food For Life Baking Company

Central Milling / Living Sprouted Grain

 Angelic Bakehouse

(Harley)