Pretty Healthy Bird

By Nora Simmons

Want to unlock the vital nutrients in your feathered friend’s birdseed to help her thrive? Try sprouting Polly’s food—it’s easy to do! Simply visit the bulk section of your local health food store and create a deliciously nutritious mix of seeds—sunflower, broccoli, and alfalfa seeds, along with lentils and wheat berries make great sprouts. To sprout a meal, first remove broken or damaged seeds so they don’t spoil the batch. Then rinse the remaining mixture in a colander until the water runs clear. Soak overnight in a glass or stainless-steel container with plenty of water (preferably filtered) to allow for expansion. Hint: To prevent bacterial or fungal growth, add a couple of drops of grapefruit seed extract to your soak water. In the morning, rinse again, drain, and spread the mixture on a glass or metal baking dish and store in a well-ventilated space without direct sunlight. Rinse several times a day until a tail appears. Rinse again, drain until dry, and serve. Sprouts can be stored in the fridge for a few days, but if your sprouts ever smell sour or look moldy, toss them out and start over.