What happens when you try to sprout 30 year old seeds???

I have wanted to sprout my own seeds for quite some time.  When I found this kit in Grandma’s food storage I had to give it a try.  Based on the packaging and when I remember my family having a similar sprouting kit, I think these seeds were from the early 80’s possibly the 70’s. 

Will 30-40 year old seeds still be viable for sprouting???  The seeds were stored in a dark, cool basement so it is possible they could??  I just had to know.  I started first with the alfalfa seeds.  I let them soak overnight and then rinsed them several times a day.  They started sprouting the second day.  I was thrilled.  By day six they were ready to eat.

Lil’Miss loved them!  She sat down and ate the whole tray!  They were rather tasty.  I will have to whip up another batch soon.

We also tried out mung beans.  I wanted to compare them with new beans that I purchased from the bulk section at the grocery store last week.  These however did not fare as well as the alfalfa seeds.  They old seeds that were darker in color never really did spout and started going bad making the others taste gross too.  The new beans were tasty delicious!  Lil’Miss enjoyed those too, until Lil’Bean dumped them all over the floor!

Soak: Old on left, New on right.

Old on Left new sprouting away on the right

Some of the old beans are sprouting, but most were tooo old.

This is day Three!!

So the answer is yes.  If you find tucked away stored seeds they will sprout several decades after purchasing if you keep them in a cool, dry dark space.

Does anyone know of a local place, or a good place on line to order alfalfa seed for sprouting?  I would like to buy some but I have no idea where to get it. I guess for now I will be sprouting this seed that is as old as me until I do find some!

Here are some seed sprouting supplies I found online if you are interested in trying sprouting yourself!  

And some other fun kitchen gadgets!

Happy Sprouting!!