Cómo cultivar brotes de frijoles

・Sprouts have far higher nutritional value than dry seeds
・Some nutrients that are not present in dry seeds are created during sprouting
・They contain moisture, which makes them easier to digest
・They are considered to have higher nutrient absorption
・They are suitable for animals with sensitive stomachs
・Because they are soft, they are also ideal for birds with small beaks
・Feeding sprouts to chicks helps support strong immunity
・Older birds can get more nutrition even with smaller meal portions
・Their moisture content means they do not draw water from the body, reducing strain
・Proteins become easier to break down into amino acids
・Enzymes become active (dry seeds also contain enzymes, but they are mostly dormant. Soaking and sprouting activate them to their highest level)
and more

There are many other benefits of sprouts, but there are too many to list here.

Aside from nutrition, the main reason is that they are the most suitable form of food for birds.
Did you know that wild birds rarely eat completely dry seeds (reference)? What most wild birds actually eat are seeds that contain moisture from rain or morning dew. They commonly consume damp seeds found on the ground, seeds that have just started to germinate, and moist roots that they dig up.
In captivity, birds are often fed fully dried seeds, but this is not something they frequently encounter in the wild. The same goes for vegetables, fruits, flowers, leaves, nuts, and insects. They eat many types of foods, but usually in their fresh and hydrated form.
Because companion birds are not domesticated and their bodies remain similar to those of their wild counterparts, we strongly recommend providing food that resembles what they would eat in nature (reference).
Note: Domestication refers to genetic and breeding changes, not simply being kept as a pet. Details can be found in the reference.

Dry seeds are in a dormant state. The process of soaking wakes them up, which is why soaking is the first step. During the sprouting process that follows, the nutrients inside the seed begin to change, and in many cases their nutritional content increases. Which nutrients increase depends on the type of seed.

Sprouted seeds contain the highest level of enzymes. While the types of enzymes vary depending on the seed, sprout enzymes play an important role in breaking down nutrients and making them easier for the body to absorb.

Benefits of consuming enzymes from sprouts

• Digestion becomes much easier, reducing stress on the digestive system.

• Anti-nutrients naturally present in seeds are broken down, improving the absorption of minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium.

• Amino acid quality improves, helping provide the building blocks needed for muscle maintenance and feather regeneration.

• Enzyme activity during sprouting can increase vitamin levels and overall nutrient availability.

• Sprouts support gut health by serving as a beneficial food source for healthy gut bacteria.

This is a simplified explanation. Enzymes are extremely diverse and complex, so if you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to explore the topic further on your own.

・Jar or other container
・Strainer
・GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract)
・Bird-safe sprouting beans (sprouting seeds only)
In the video: Garbanzo beans, mung beans, lentils, and green peas. Please do not sprout anything that is not specifically labeled for sprouting.

Items PEGO uses (shown in the video)
Jar: Ball® Mason Jars & Lids, Wide Mouth 16 oz
Please use containers made from safe materials such as BPA free plastic or glass.
Strainer: stainless steel mesh
You can also use a food grade mesh cloth like the one shown in the photo. It is used like a colander when draining water from the jar.
GSE: NutriBiotic
You do not have to use it, but using GSE provides extra peace of mind.

BPA is a chemical used in some plastics. Small amounts can potentially leach into food and may interfere with hormone function, so we strongly recommend using containers that are BPA free.

GSE stands for Grapefruit Seed Extract. It is known for having strong antibacterial and antifungal properties.

The following is a video transcript.
In simple terms, the process follows a repeating cycle of Soak → Rinse → Drain every 12 hours.
Sprouts are ready to feed approximately 36 hours after starting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place one feeding portion of dry beans or seeds into a container.

2. Rinse the beans thoroughly under cold running tap water to remove surface debris.

3. Repeat rinsing several times until the beans are clean, then discard the dirty water.

4. Add clean water at least three times the volume of the beans, and add a few drops of GSE (about 0.05%).

5. Let the beans soak at room temperature for 12 hours (do not refrigerate).

6. After 12 hours, discard the dirty water.

7. Rinse the beans vigorously under cold running tap water.

8. Repeat rinsing several times, then again add clean water (at least three times the bean volume) and a few drops of GSE (about 0.05%).

9. Let the beans sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the GSE to penetrate.

10. After 10 minutes, discard the water. Do not rinse at this stage.

11. With the GSE still on the beans, turn the container upside down and drain thoroughly.

12. Leave the beans in this drained state at room temperature for 12 hours (do not refrigerate).

13. Repeat steps 6 through 12.

14. After another 12 hours, some seeds should have sprouted. Rinse well and feed the clean sprouts. Any remaining unsprouted seeds should continue through steps 7 through 12.

※ In the video, a plastic bottle is used due to filming space limitations. In practice, please perform all rinsing under strong running tap water.

Timing and Feeding Guidelines

• Sprouts are generally ready to feed 36 hours (1.5 days) after starting.

• Some seeds, such as adzuki beans or garbanzo beans, may require up to 48 hours.

• Seeds that have not sprouted after 48 hours are unlikely to sprout.

• Discard any seeds that have not sprouted after 60 hours.

• Always rinse beans thoroughly under cold running tap water before feeding to ensure cleanliness.

Rinsing should be done 2 to 4 times per day, always using cold water only.
Never use warm or hot water.
In the video, rinsing is performed twice per day, approximately every 12 hours.

Example Timeline (Approximate)

• Monday 8:00 PM – Tuesday 8:00 AM: Soak
  (Rinse under running water)

• Tuesday 8:00 AM – Tuesday 4:00 PM: Drain
  (Rinse under running water)

• Tuesday 4:00 PM – Tuesday 11:59 PM: Drain
  (Rinse under running water)

• Wednesday 8:00 AM: Finished / Ready to Feed

In the video, the beans were ready to feed after 36 hours.

Best Feeding Window

Feeding within 48 hours (2 days) from the start is highly recommended.
Feeding after 48 hours is generally safe, but many birds tend to show slightly reduced interest.
Since preferences vary by individual bird, try preparing sprouts multiple times to find your bird’s preferred stage.

You can view our free soaking-time chart by seed type here.
I’m currently preparing a free, complete step-by-step growing guide in PDF format (about 100 pages). It’s a seed-by-seed PDF guide with detailed info on difficulty level, ideal soaking time, how many rinses per day, days to harvest, calories, and key nutrition benefits. If you’re interested, please share this post and then leave a comment. Thank you! Please note in advance that we do not accept inquiries via direct messages.

Optional Tip

If your bird dislikes wet food, you may gently remove excess moisture with a paper towel before serving. Adjust based on your bird’s preference.

In Japan, we sometimes receive questions about adzuki beans being difficult to sprout. Adzuki beans can be sprouted using the same method as other beans. However, if you are having difficulty with germination, please try the method below.
Until you are familiar with the process, we recommend sprouting adzuki beans alone, rather than as part of a blend.

※ Always use seeds specifically intended for sprouting.

Additional Steps for Difficult Adzuki Sprouts

Steps 1 through 12 are exactly the same as the standard sprouting method.

13. Add a few drops of GSE and let the beans soak at room temperature for 4–8 hours.
    This is a second soak, allowing the beans to absorb additional moisture.

14. After 4–8 hours, discard the water and rinse thoroughly several times under running tap water.

15. Add a few more drops of GSE and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow absorption.

16. After 10 minutes, discard the water. Do not rinse. Drain thoroughly with the container facing downward while GSE remains on the beans.

17. After 12 hours, some seeds should have sprouted. Rinse several times and feed the clean sprouts.

Simplified Timeline

• Day 1 / First Half: 12-hour soak
• Day 1 / Second Half: 12-hour drain
• Day 2 / First Half: 4–8 hour soak (second soak)
• Day 2 / Second Half: 12-hour drain

Sprouts are usually ready to feed within 2–4 days from the start.
This second soak method is also recommended by True Leaf Market.

In most cases, when using high-quality sprouting seeds, adzuki beans should sprout sufficiently after the initial 12-hour soak without a second soak.
If germination is inconsistent, this method is worth trying.

※ Do not soak seeds continuously for more than 12 hours at a time.
Please refer to the FAQ section for the reason.

Conditions for Leaving the Container Upside Down

When draining sprouts with the container placed upside down, make sure the environment meets the following conditions:

• Keep the container in a dark or shaded area (avoid direct light).

• Ensure good air circulation around the container.

• Leave it indoors, at a temperature and humidity comfortable for birds.

• Do not use the refrigerator, even during summer.

• Maintain strict cleanliness (it is best if the container opening does not touch any surfaces).

• Do not allow the inside of the container to dry out completely.

• At the same time, make sure excess water is fully drained.

As long as these three essentials are met—a clean container, good air circulation, and rinsing 2–3 times per day—sprouting rarely fails under normal conditions.

About Using the Refrigerator

During summer, we receive many questions about refrigerating sprouts due to heat.
The basic idea is: do not refrigerate during the growing process; refrigerate only after sprouting is complete.

Using a refrigerator instead of room temperature can actually make seeds more likely to spoil, reduce germination rates, and create nutritional imbalances. While refrigeration can suppress the growth of E. coli and Salmonella, Listeria can still grow in refrigerated environments. In addition, refrigerators are enclosed spaces with poor air circulation.

Experienced sprouters may be able to manage alternative methods without issues. However, for beginners or for those who are not yet confident in judging seed condition, refrigeration during sprouting is not recommended.

Correctly identifying seed condition—such as distinguishing natural seed mucilage from spoilage—is an important skill. For this reason, we strongly recommend following the standard room-temperature method only. This guidance is also stated in the precautions provided by many professional sprout producers.

Species
Sprouts can be offered to birds ranging from small finches to large parrots.
They should not be given to lories or lorikeets.
For all other species, from small to large, daily feeding is strongly recommended.
For Eclectus parrots in particular, daily feeding is highly recommended due to their specific nutritional needs.

Feeding Amount
We recommend offering sprouts as ten to twenty percent of the bird’s total daily diet.
They can be fed every day at any time, although morning feeding is ideal.

Please discard sprouts after about ten to twelve hours.
It is perfectly fine to offer them in the morning and replace them in the late afternoon.

You may have heard people say that soaked seeds or sprouts must be thrown away within two hours because harmful bacteria will grow quickly. However, bacteria that pose a real health risk do not reach dangerous levels within just half a day. Sprouted seeds are also still alive, so their growth does not stop the moment they are placed in the food dish, and they do not become harmful plants within a few hours.

If you are still concerned, you may discard them after six to eight hours.
However, unless your birds are kept in a completely sterile environment, there is no need to worry excessively.

There is a saying often heard in discussions about soaked seeds, sprouts, and microgreens:
People sometimes fear small disadvantages and end up missing out on much bigger benefits.

One of the most common questions we receive is, “My country is very hot and humid, so I am worried about sprouting.”
High heat and humidity are not ideal for sprouting, but it is usually not as risky as people fear.
For reference, here are the average conditions for Florida in 2025.
With proper technique, soaking, sprouting, and growing microgreens in Florida can be done safely without any issues.

The values above are general guidelines.

If you are sprouting indoors with air conditioning and the room temperature stays below 28 ℃（82℉） Celsius, and if your bird is comfortable in that environment, sprouting is not a problem.
Outdoor sprouting is not recommended.

If your indoor environment stays above 30 ℃（86℉） Celsius or humidity exceeds 70 %, it is also not ideal for your bird’s health. In that case, please adjust the environment using dehumidifiers or fans to improve air circulation.

Just as important as temperature and humidity is ensuring proper airflow and using clean containers. These factors greatly reduce the risk of spoilage.

Some people believe sprouting should only be done in cooler seasons, but for the health of your bird, we encourage offering sprouts throughout the entire year when conditions are managed properly.

You can make a larger batch and store sprouts for later use, but whenever possible, freshly made sprouts are preferred, as birds tend to eat them more readily and they are generally safer from a hygiene standpoint.

Refrigerator Storage

Place the portion you plan to store back into the sprouting container. Add a few drops of GSE and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes so the GSE can coat the beans.
After 10 minutes, do not rinse. Drain thoroughly while the GSE remains on the sprouts, then transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
For best results, remove excess moisture completely using a paper towel before sealing the container.

When feeding, rinse the sprouts thoroughly under running water just before serving to ensure they are clean.

Sprouts are often said to keep for up to one week in the refrigerator. However, based on PEGO’s experience, we recommend using them within 3 days of refrigeration whenever possible.

Freezer Storage

Drain the sprouts thoroughly, then place them in an airtight container and store in the freezer.
Rinsing before feeding is not necessary.

We do not recommend thawing with heat, such as using a microwave. While PEGO does not personally freeze sprouts, many people choose to thaw them gently using warm water.

Sprouts are often said to keep for 3 to 4 weeks in the freezer, but please use your own judgment and check the condition of the seeds carefully. Whenever possible, use them sooner rather than later.

There is a slimy texture

Many people discard sprouts as soon as they notice a slimy texture, but slime does not always mean spoilage.
Some seeds naturally become slippery when they absorb water. A well-known example is chia seeds, which form a gel when hydrated. Okra also becomes slippery when cut.

Seeds that contain polysaccharides often develop a slimy texture naturally. It is important to determine whether the slime is due to natural seed properties or actual spoilage before deciding whether to use them.

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How can I tell if the sprouts have spoiled?

The easiest indicators are smell and color.
Even if sprouts feel slimy, they are often safe if there is no foul odor. However, discoloration may indicate spoilage, and affected seeds should be removed.

If there is both slime and an unpleasant smell or discoloration, discard them immediately.

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The seeds won’t sprout

Because seeds are natural products, results can vary. However, seeds sold specifically for sprouting are tested for germination ability and should have a high success rate.

We recommend reviewing your process and trying a different approach if sprouting is inconsistent.

Points to review:

• Increase the number of rinses
• Make sure the environment is not too cold or too hot
• Keep seeds out of direct light
• Ensure good air circulation
• Use GSE
• Confirm the soaking time is appropriate
• Make sure water is fully drained before resting

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Why must I use seeds specifically for sprouting?

The key difference between regular seeds and sprouting seeds is that sprouting seeds have passed testing for common foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, and their germination ability has been verified.

For both sprouts and microgreens intended for human consumption, the use of sprouting seeds is strongly recommended. This guidance is officially issued by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). While not a law, it is a formal safety recommendation stating that only sprouting seeds should be used.

Because of this, sprouting seeds are subject to very strict safety standards.

Although non-sprouting seeds may germinate, we do not recommend taking the risk of feeding birds—who have very small bodies—foods that the FDA has warned humans about for many years.

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How much sprouting is considered safe?

If the sprout has grown even 1 mm, it is safe to feed.
This is not a matter of how many millimeters are required—it is simply whether the seed has sprouted or not.

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Is it true that sprouts don’t need light?

Yes, sprouts do not require sunlight. Light becomes necessary only after leaves appear, which is when the process shifts from sprouting to microgreen cultivation.

Sprouts can be grown in complete darkness without any issues.
This does not mean light is forbidden—it means direct sunlight should be avoided.

Direct sunlight can raise the temperature and humidity inside the container, increasing the risk of bacterial growth (especially E. coli and Salmonella) and causing surface drying, which leads to poor germination.

Growing in a dark place is ideal, but normal indoor lighting is perfectly fine.

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Can I sprout just one type of seed, or mix multiple types?

Both are fine. From a nutritional standpoint, we recommend using multiple seed types.
However, keep in mind that different seeds sprout at different speeds.

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I was told sprouts are not appropriate for birds

You may encounter such opinions. Every food has both advantages and disadvantages.
We encourage you to consider who made the claim and why, and then decide for yourself based on information you trust.

Common concerns include:

“Sprouts are dangerous due to hygiene risks.”
Sprouts are consumed worldwide, and many people grow them at home. There are numerous companies specializing in sprouts and sprouting supplies.

If hygiene is a concern, consult professional sprout producers and follow proper procedures. Gather information, evaluate the risks, and decide whether sprouts are suitable for you.

While sprouts do carry hygiene-related risks, not all bacteria are harmful—only pathogenic bacteria are. When sprouts are prepared correctly using proper seeds, pathogen risk is generally very low.

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“Supplements or pellets are nutritionally superior, so sprouts aren’t necessary.”
Do you know how much nutrition remains in pellets several months after opening?
Even unopened pellets lose nutrients over time compared to when they are freshly produced.

Research shows that nutrient levels decline with time. We recommend learning more about the benefits of sprouts and comparing them yourself. If you decide sprouts are unnecessary, that decision is entirely yours.

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“My veterinarian told me not to feed sprouts.”
Ask for the reason before deciding.
Except in special medical cases, sprouts are generally a safe and healthy food for birds.

Because sprouts closely resemble what birds eat in the wild, they are often easier on the body and more nutrient-dense than processed foods. If hygiene is the only concern, learning proper procedures from sprout specialists usually resolves the issue.

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Can I soak seeds longer than the recommended time?

The recommended soaking time is ideal, but a slight extension is usually fine.
However, soaking longer than 12 hours is not recommended for any seed type, as the disadvantages far outweigh the benefits.

Benefit:

• Hard seeds may sprout more easily

Risks:

• Seeds cannot respire properly under anaerobic (low-oxygen) conditions, leading to poor germination or spoilage (a basic principle of seed physiology)

• Excess water weakens seed coats and cell walls, making it easier for bacteria to invade

• Nutrients are more likely to leach into the water

• Extended soaking lowers water pH, increasing the risk of germination failure

For these reasons, we recommend keeping soak times within 14 hours, unless there is a specific reason.

If soaking longer than 12 hours is necessary, follow the Adzuki Bean Sprouting Method described earlier. Continuous soaking beyond 12 hours is not recommended for any seed.

While this does not rise to the level of “dangerous” in all cases and remains a personal decision, our staff discards and restarts batches if soaking accidentally exceeds 18 hours.

※ While this guidance focuses on beans, some seeds have shorter recommended soak times. For example, seeds with a 4-hour soak recommendation should generally not exceed about 8 hours. Adjust based on seed type.

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As explained earlier in “Why Sprouts Are Recommended” and “About Enzymes,” sprouts are a highly beneficial health food, and not feeding them is a missed opportunity. We encourage you to introduce them gradually.

However, never feed birds sprouts that are sold already sprouted. As explained in a seminar by an avian biologist, these products are frequently recalled in the U.S. due to Salmonella and E. coli contamination. Please refer to the seminar for details.

This warning is also issued by many seed manufacturers and sprouting equipment companies.

Please prepare sprouts using clean, sanitized containers.
The jars introduced earlier by the PEGO staff are boiled and sterilized before use to ensure cleanliness.

Using GSE is optional, but we recommend it for hygiene purposes, as it helps suppress bacterial growth and reduces the risk of spoilage.
The recommended amount is a few drops (about 0.05%). Using too much can reduce germination rates.

For reference, when using a Ball® Mason Jar (16 oz), PEGO staff typically fill the jar with plenty of water and add 2–3 drops of GSE.

This method is not the only correct way to make sprouts. What we have shared is PEGO’s simplified approach, based on a combination of methods recommended by various sources.

Our procedure is informed by guidance from six sprout manufacturers (including True Leaf Market), as well as scientific studies and published research on sprouting. We have organized this information into a practical routine that we use daily.

Everyone uses different containers and has different preferences, so there are many valid ways to make sprouts. Rather than focusing on what is “right” or “wrong,” the most important thing is to sprout safely, cleanly, and in a way that works for you.

We encourage you to use this page as a starting reference. As you gain experience, feel free to develop your own sprouting method that suits your environment and routine.

As a side note, the most popular sprouting container in the U.S. whole-food bird community is the Easy Sprout Sprouter—and yes, the PEGO staff uses it as well.