Bean sprouting refers to the process of soaking beans in water, allowing them to set at room temperature and rinsing them once or twice a day until sprouts form.

Bean sprouts, which are the edible offshoots of beans, are frequently used as a salad ingredient and a topping in sandwiches. They are highly nutritious, an excellent source of fiber, and high in both folate and vitamin C.

Chickpea sprouts, also known as garbanzo bean sprouts, are a protein-rich, high-carbohydrate food made from chickpeas.

Sprouting seeds and beans increases their vitamin levels, according to David B. Fankhauser, Ph.D. at the University of Cleveland Claremont College. Sprouted lentil beans contain vitamins A, B, C and E, all of which are important to your overall health.

A.J. Bush established Bush Brothers & Company in 1908. It was another six decades, however, before the well-recognized Bush's Baked Beans came into fruition in 1969. Since that time, several flavor varieties have joined the company's product line.

Any type of bean or legume can be sprouted, but mung bean sprouts are the most common type used in cooking. Sprouting can increase your ability to absorb nutrients in the beans that would normally be less digestible because they are bound by phytic acid.

Almonds are a naturally rich source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Sprouted almonds are those that have been soaked in water for several hours, which activates live enzymes inside the nut and enhances its nutritional value.

Bean sprouts, the tender, flavorful sprouts of young beans, are a tasty, crunchy topping for all kinds of foods. Some people pile them high on a turkey sandwich and others may mix them into soups or salads.

According to Recipe Tips, eating raw sprouts is not recommended because of the risk of bacteria and food illness. Cooking alfalfa sprouts will kill any potential bacteria on them, ensuring safety. Sprouts only stay fresh for a few days, even if you keep them in the refrigerator.

Alfalfa sprouts are a member of the pea family and are therefore classified as legumes. Alfalfa sprouts are nutrient-dense and are rich in vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, B vitamins, zinc, calcium, magnesium and folic acid.

Alfalfa sprouts, usually eaten raw, can be dangerous to consume if you are pregnant, a child or elderly, due to the dangers of salmonella, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. If you prepare raw sprouts correctly, you can reduce your risk of food-borne illness.

Great northern beans are usually grown in the midwestern United States. They are a cream-colored bean similar in shape to the lima bean. They are bland in taste but absorb flavor well. Like most beans, you will need to sort through the beans and soak them before cooking.