Alfalfa Sprout Facts
Alfalfa sprouts are the immature shoots of the alfalfa plant. The plant itself isn't used for culinary purposes because the mature leaves are bitter. Alfalfa sprouts are extremely prone to carrying food-borne illnesses such as e. coli, listeria and salmonella, so it's best to grow your own from thoroughly disinfected seeds or make sure that the sprouts are cooked long enough to kill any possible bacteria. People with a compromised immune system, such as pregnant women and the elderly, should not eat raw sprouts at all.
Alfalfa Sprouts
Alfalfa sprouts are delicious both cold and hot. Put them on sandwiches instead of lettuce to add some greenery and crunch. They are especially good on any sandwich involving avocado. Add them to stir-fries or soups. Always wash your hands before handling sprouts, and rinse them thoroughly. Wash your hands again after handling them. If you have grown them at home and have a healthy immune system, you can add the sprouts at the very end of the recipe's cooking time. If not, sprouts should be fully cooked to kill any foodborne illnesses they may contain.
