Dried Pollock Fish,Fresh Cod Jerky,Fresh Dried Mingtai Fish,Dried Pollock Fillets Yanji Yongzhen Food Co., Ltd , https://www.yanjiyongzhenfood.com
Sprout cultivation techniques
Sprouts are young, edible parts of plants that are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. They are tender in texture, have a unique flavor, and offer various health benefits. Sprout cultivation is environmentally friendly, as the seeds used are less likely to be contaminated, and the growth process is fast and easy to control. With a short growth cycle, sprouting offers high production efficiency and good economic returns.
**I. Cultivation Facilities**
1. **Growing Frames**: These are typically constructed using angle iron, steel bars, or bamboo to create multi-layered, three-dimensional structures. A standard frame has 3 to 5 layers, with each layer spaced 30–40 cm apart. The width depends on the length of the growing bed, and for ease of handling, the height should not exceed 1.6 meters.
2. **Containers and Growing Media**: Common containers include lightweight plastic seedling trays measuring 60 cm in length, 25 cm in width, and 5 cm in height. The growing media can be made from materials such as white paper (old newspapers), cotton cloth, non-woven fabric, 3 mm thick polyethylene foam sheets, perlite, or river sand.
3. **Water Spraying Equipment**: To maintain moisture levels, it's essential to keep the growing medium consistently wet. Large-scale operations usually use micro-sprinkler systems, while small-scale growers may rely on misters and watering cans.
**II. Key Technical Points**
Currently, pea sprouts are the most commonly sold type, followed by radish, toon, and buckwheat sprouts. While there are slight differences in their cultivation methods, the general steps are similar.
1. **Seed Selection**: High-quality seeds with a germination rate of over 95% should be selected. Seeds must be clean, full, and free from contamination. For Toona sinensis, special care is needed because they tend to lose viability in high temperatures. It’s best to use seeds that haven’t been exposed to summer heat, and the wings should be removed before use. These seeds produce faster-growing, healthier sprouts with better texture and yield.
2. **Soaking and Germination**: After washing the seeds with water at 20–30°C, soak them in water for 2–3 times their volume. Soaking time varies: peas need 18–24 hours, citrons 12–20 hours, buckwheat 24–36 hours, and radishes 6–8 hours. After soaking, rinse off the mucus and drain the excess water. Place the seeds in a flat container covered with a damp cloth. Peas germinate at 18–22°C, while citrons require 20–23°C. After 48 hours, sprouts will be ready to sow when they reach 2–3 mm in length.
3. **Sowing**: Wash the seed trays and place one or two layers of moistened white paper or old newspaper inside. Evenly spread the germinated seeds onto the wet medium. A standard tray can hold 350–400 grams of peas, 150–170 grams of buckwheat, 80–100 grams of radish, and 30–50 grams of citron. Stack the trays neatly and cover them with black plastic film. Maintain the right temperature—peas at 18–22°C, buckwheat and radish at 20–25°C, and citron at 20–30°C. After two days, the sprouts should be 2–3 cm tall and ready to be placed on shelves under light conditions.
4. **Bud Management**:
- **Light**: Buckwheat and radish sprouts require strong light, while toon and pea sprouts prefer moderate light. Too much light can cause early cellulose formation, reducing quality, while too little light leads to weak, floppy shoots.
- **Moisture**: Sprouts are juicy and need regular watering. Mist the substrate 2–3 times daily, adjusting based on weather and temperature. More spraying is needed in hot, dry conditions, and less during cool or rainy days.
- **Ventilation**: Ensure daily ventilation to regulate temperature and humidity.
5. **Harvesting**: Sprouts are harvested when the young stems and leaves are tender and fully developed. The timing and standards vary depending on the type:
- **Pea Sprouts**: Light yellow-green buds, 10–12 cm tall, with unfolded cotyledons, soft and not fibrous.
- **Toon and Torreya Sprouts**: Thick green buds, 8–12 cm tall, with well-developed cotyledons and a fragrant aroma.
- **Buckwheat Sprouts**: Green cotyledons with red hypocotyls, 12–15 cm tall, neat and plump.
- **Radish Sprouts**: Green buds, 8–10 cm tall, with flat, swollen cotyledons.
By following these steps, you can successfully grow high-quality sprouts that are both nutritious and flavorful.