Nutritional value of alfalfa sprouts

Alfalfa sprouts have been consumed as food since ancient times. Sun Quan in the Three Kingdoms period loved this dish the most. Let us learn more about it.

Alfalfa sprouts

Also known as purple alfalfa sprouts, green alfalfa sprouts or western sprouts, it is a perennial leguminous herb. " Growing Alfalfa " in Volume 3 of "Qimin Yaoshu" states: " This plant is immortal, and those who grow it will be done once and for all . " Alfalfa requires very little from humans, but it can " regenerate after being cut . " Li Shizhen even said that it " regenerates every year, and can be cut and grown as vegetables, and can be cut three times a year. "

Alfalfa sprouts are produced in abundance in the United States and Australia. After several developments, they were introduced to China. According to the " Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of Dayuan " , " Horses love alfalfa, and the Han envoys brought back the seeds, so the emperor began to grow alfalfa ." At that time, alfalfa was introduced as horse feed, and it was later that it was transformed from feed to vegetable.

The tender stems and leaves of alfalfa sprouts are edible, with a unique flavor and crisp taste. They can be eaten cold, fried, made into soup, or chopped and steamed with flour.

During the Three Kingdoms period, Sun Quan entertained Liu Bei, who had come across the Yangtze River to form a family relationship. The dishes were rich, but Liu Bei felt dry after eating and wanted to eat something refreshing. The chef had no prior preparation and hurriedly picked some tender alfalfa shoots to cook and serve. Sun Quan praised the dish after tasting it. People also began to eat it and called it " King Kua Cai " .

Traditionally, alfalfa sprouts are collected from the tender shoots of yellow alfalfa (also known as southern alfalfa). Nowadays, alfalfa sprouts are grown from seeds without soil or nutrient solution. Alfalfa sprouts are rich in plant protein, as well as minerals such as calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and a variety of vitamins. Eating alfalfa sprouts can neutralize the acidification of the blood, making people feel strong and energetic.

effect

1. Alfalfa sprouts are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and cellulose, which can help the body excrete toxins, promote metabolism, effectively lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, maintain the body's acid-base balance and maintain health.

2. Rich in vitamin E , it can slow down the body's aging process and maintain youthful vitality.

3. Alfalfa sprouts are rich in natural plant hormones, which can prevent breast cancer, cervical cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc.

4. Alfalfa sprouts have the effects of regulating the intestines and stomach, promoting diuresis and detoxification, and are very effective in improving urinary stones.

5. It can prevent hepatitis, especially hepatitis B.

6. Alfalfa sprouts can improve high blood pressure, treat gastrointestinal bleeding, improve bronchitis, and inhibit the growth of tuberculosis bacteria.

7. Very effective in improving arthritis, rough skin and dark spots.

8. Alfalfa sprouts contain 8 kinds of enzymes, which can help people digest and absorb, break down fatty acids, help blood coagulation, and promote oxidation in the body.

Storage instructions

After buying alfalfa sprouts, you should first soak them carefully in water, then drain them, put them in a plastic bag with holes, and then put them in the refrigerator.

Cooking knowledge

1. Wash the sprouts thoroughly before eating

2. Alfalfa sprouts are mostly eaten raw, mostly as salad or made into juice for drinking.

Dietary precautions

1. People with gout should not eat alfalfa sprouts.

2. People suffering from rheumatism and other diseases should not eat alfalfa.

Delicious food

Alfalfa sprout spring rolls

Ingredients: 150 grams of alfalfa sprouts, about 100 grams of spring roll wrapper, 2 tablespoons of egg-free salad dressing , 1 tablespoon of ketchup , and 1 small plastic bag .

Method: 1. Wash and dry, mix salad dressing and ketchup, wrap in a plastic bag, tie it tightly, and cut a notch at the corner of the bag.

2. Flatten each spring roll, squeeze a little sauce on it, put alfalfa sprouts on it and wrap it into a spring roll shape, close the top and lay it flat.

Note: The spring roll wrapper must be properly wrapped and not exposed to air to prevent it from drying out. If the spring roll wrapper starts to dry out, heat the steamer until it is hot and has moisture, place the spring roll wrapper on a plate and simmer for a while until it softens. Be careful to control the time to prevent it from being too soft, and still wrap it properly after taking it out.

Alfalfa sprout salad

Ingredients: 150 grams of alfalfa sprouts, 60 grams of corn kernels, 1/2 cup of salad dressing .

Seasoning: mayonnaise or fermented black bean paste.

Preparation method: Wash the rice grains and blanch them in boiling water, then add alfalfa sprouts and salad dressing, mix well and eat.

Features: Fresh alfalfa sprouts mixed with seasonings are a refreshing and delicious summer delicacy.