What Are Alfalfa Sprouts and How Do I Use Them?

When I was in middle school, my mom packed my lunch for me everyday. How lucky was I? One of her signature packed lunches was a turkey sandwich on wheat bread with mustard, avocado, tomatoes, and alfalfa sprouts. At the time, this was my least favorite lunch on her rotation. Not because I didn't enjoy eating it, but because I was embarrassed. I still remember my "friends" asking me if I was eating grass. What's that stringy stuff in your sandwich? Is there dirt on it? Does it taste like a plant? Enough!

Now that I'm a seasoned, confident adult, I am not ashamed to admit that I love alfalfa sprouts. And to answer my judgmental lunch mates from middle school: No, alfalfa sprouts are not grass. They're way different and way tastier. Here's everything you need to know about this fresh produce item.

What Are Alfalfa Sprouts?

These wispy sprouts are the immature sprouted seeds of an alfalfa plant. The mature leaves of this plant are notably bitter, so they're not typically used in the culinary world, however the sprouts are much milder in flavor. They're packed with tons of nutrients and minerals (ah, the beauties of eating plants) and they have an earthy flavor with a crisp, stringy texture.

Where Do I Buy Alfalfa Sprouts?

Alfalfa sprouts are available at many grocery stores in the produce aisle. They are refrigerated and typically packaged in small, plastic clamshells to help maintain freshness. It is also very common for home cooks to grow their own sprouts at home by planting the seeds in a Mason jar.

How Do I Use Alfalfa Sprouts?

Alfalfa sprouts are incredibly versatile — they are a delicious addition to sandwiches, salads, toasts, and soups. They are best consumed fresh (as opposed to cooking them) because their raw texture is ultra crisp and delightfully vegetal. They provide a fresh, subtle crunch and a whole lot of volume to your favorite sandwiches, while also creating a pleasant textural component and earthy flavor to soups and salads. You can really use them just as you would your favorite leafy green.

Alfalfa Sprout Recipes to Try:

• Most Excellent Sandwich
• Kale Salad with Sprouts and Seeds
• The Best Veggie Sandwich
• Whole Wheat Vegan Couscous Salad
• Bird's Nest Salad

Are Alfalfa Sprouts Different From Other Sprouts?

In the realm of sprouts, there are plenty more varieties than alfalfa. This includes broccoli, mung bean, and radish sprouts. While all of these sprouts share in common that they're immature plants grown from seedlings, they all have slightly different flavors and textures based on their variety. They can generally be used interchangeably, bearing in mind these subtle differences.

However you choose to use your alfalfa sprouts, don't be embarrassed by these delicate little guys. There's nothing to be ashamed of, and all of my middle school lunch mates are just going to have to deal with it.