Pre-made Soaking mix?

[Eric&Rebecca]

So I usually go to the asian or organic market for my pulses, grains and fresh varieties. Recently I've found it hard to get things for my soaking mix and each week is a bit hit and miss and some of the stuff I don't know if its safe so I have to come back and check and then they haven't got it or something.

I was wondering if a pre-made soaking mix would be an OK substitute for when I'm not able to get what I need. I usually feed cooked brown rice or something when I've not been able to get hold of ingredients but I think they get a bit bored of that and its not got the variety I need.

http://www.northernparrots.com/tidymix- ... -prod5977/

Like this one... Its got more variety of things that I can usually get hold of... not organic though.

Also how long does it keep after soaking and preparation in the fridge?

Opinions?

[marie83]

I use that for sprouting. I've found it sprouts pretty quick and is fine in the fridge for about 3 days, probably a bit longer but 3 is the max I keep it. Not sure about just soaking it thoughbut would say about the same at a guess.

[Eric&Rebecca]

ooooo i might have a go at that too!

[Pajarita]

I would not feed that mix just soaked. It has beans in it and you are not supposed to feed parrots raw beans -you can feed them sprouted though...

[Eric&Rebecca]

Would it be ok if I cooked it after soaking? Tidy mix are a very good brand (as good as you can get without making it yourself)

Also I think its only certain types of beans that need to be cooked. Soaking mixes containing kidney beans for example do need to be cooked but this one says that all these beans are fine to be soaked through for 12 hours only. In fact now I'm worried because I've always just soaked my 'safe beans' before. Like Mung beans for example. I'll definitely steam them or cook them from now on, I wasn't aware it was a problem providing they were soaked in boiling gradually cooling water for 12 hours and then washed with cool water... crap I feel bad now :-/

To be on the safe side would it be ok if I cooked or steamed them? (as another option to sprouting)

Also, when sprouting, what would be the best way to sprout them?

[Pajarita]

I don't sprout anything. I only feed my birds sprouts in the spring (because it's the only time they are available in nature and because they are high in protein) and I buy the sprouts so I can't help you with that. Mung beans are good for sprouting and I think they are about the only safe bean to eat just soaked but don't take my word for it. Here in US, you can find 'No Salt' everything in cans (but I still rinse them thoroughly before using them).

[KimberlyAnn]

Sprouting is very very easy!

I use the glass jar method and rinse twice a day with apple cider vinegar. Quinoa sprouts in like 6-8 hours lol You just submerge in a jar for two hours, pour a few drops of ACV and rinse with a fine mesh strainer after a two min soak with ACV. Then put the seeds back in the jar. Cap with paper towel and a rubber band, tip jar down in a bowl to drain while sprouting and feed at dinner time. You can soak again, with ACV if you want before you feed it. Just make sure you rinse with water after. You should be able to see little sprouts starting, but not on all of them. This is the best time to feed to birds, I read. For humans...wait 24-48 hours until the sprouts are a good size. That's when we digest it the best. I don't know if that's true for all seeds and beans though.

Lentals took a little longer. 12 hour soak and feed after two days. But still the same twice a day rinse.

Btw...sunflower sprouts are SOOOOO yummy!