Alfalfa is a perennial, clover-like, leguminous plant of the pea family (Fabaceae), widely used for hay, pasture, and silage. It has been used as feed for livestock for many years.
As the name suggests, alfalfa sprouts are made from seeds of alfalfa plant by soaking them overnight in cold water. As the sprout tail starts appearing, the sprouts are wrapped in a clean cloth or moved to a sprouting container for further growth.
Rinsing and draining ( at least 2 times daily) of these sprouts is done everyday till the time the sprouts grow to a length of approximately 3 inches.
Scientific name of Alfalfa Sprouts
Medicago Sativa
Other names of Alfalfa Sprouts
- Lucerne
- Purple medic
Calories by source in Alfalfa Sprouts
- Calories by carbohydrate in Alfalfa Sprouts = 26%
- Calories by fat in Alfalfa Sprouts = 20%
- Calories by protein in Alfalfa Sprouts = 54%
Fats and Fatty Acid profile of Alfalfa Sprouts
- Polyunsaturated fat (PUFA) in Alfalfa Sprouts = 77%
- Saturated fat (SF) in Alfalfa Sprouts = 13%
- Monounsaturated fat (MUFA) in Alfalfa Sprouts = 10%
Nutrition facts of Alfalfa Sprouts
*Serving size = 100 grams = 3.55 Ounces = 1/2 cup
*DV= % Daily Value (%DV indicates how much nutrients contribute to a person’s daily diet from a serving of a food. DV assists you in determining whether or not a serving of food is high or low in a particular nutrient.)
| Nutrient | Amount | Unit | DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 23 | KCAL | |
| Fat | 0.69 | Gram | 1% |
| Protein | 3.99 | Gram | 8% |
| Carbohydrate | 2.1 | Gram | 1% |
| Fiber | 1.9 | Gram | 7% |
Detailed vitamin profile of Alfalfa Sprouts, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D, Folate, Niacin, Thiamin, and Riboflavin is shown in the chart.
Detailed mineral profile of Alfalfa Sprouts, Sodium(Na), Calcium(Ca), Copper(Cu), Iron(Fe), Magnesium(Mg), Selenium(Se), Phosphorus(P), Potassium(K) and Zinc(Zn) is shown the chart.
Check freshness in Alfalfa Sprouts
- Damaged and moldy leaves are one of the signs of stale alfalfa sprouts
- The tails of the sprout should be white without any brown patch
- Should smell fresh and no foul smell should exist
- The tail of the sprout is crisp
- The sprouts should be dry tails should not be slippery or sticky to the touch
Availability of Alfalfa Sprouts
- Generally available round the year
How to store Alfalfa Sprouts
- Make sure to pat dry the alfalfa sprouts before storing them as moisture will lead to spoilage
- Airtight plastic bag or a container is good enough for storage
- Alfalfa sprouts can be stored for 3-4 days in crisper (compartment for vegetables in the fridge)
- Freezing alfalfa sprouts is not recommended
- Cooked alfalfa sprouts can be stored in refrigerator for 2-3 days
Complete nutrition facts of Alfalfa Sprouts
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