The bean sprouts have been gaining popularity for the past few years, which makes them readily available in different western grocery stores (nope, not only in the Asian grocery stores and restaurants). In fact, many people have started sprouting beans at home because they are easy to grow and are versatile to cook with. The bean sprouts make a delicious addition to salads and stir-fries, and many people love them as snacks. However, what do bean sprouts taste like, after all?
What Do Bean Sprouts Taste Like?
Taste Of Bean Sprouts
The bean sprouts are known to offer a snap and crunch whenever you take a bite, and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that its flavor is bland salad and it’s non-distinct. The bean sprouts are known to have over 90% water, which is why you shouldn’t eat them on their own (yes, they will be tasteless). For this reason, these sprouts should be added to the spicy and tangy salads. For those who don’t know, bean sprouts are made by sprouting mung beans.
These bean sprouts are known to have an off-white and creamy appearance, and it packed with minerals and vitamins. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that bean sprouts are pretty convenient to grow, and it’s an incredibly affordable option. However, before rinsing the bean sprouts, it’s important to soak them in water for over six hours. Even after the rinsing, the bean sprouts have to be washed two times a day for a few days to make sure they are ready to be consumed.
When it comes down to the taste and flavor, it’s nothing too complicated, particularly when you compare it with Chinese and French recipes. So, in the section below, we are sharing in-depth details about the flavor, texture, and taste, so you can make better culinary decisions.
Taste
There is a combination of tastes in these sprouts. To begin with, these sprouts have an earthy taste in their raw form, especially if you’ve just picked them. However, once these sprouts are cooked, the earthy flavor will be eliminated, and it will absorb the flavor of spices and herbs. The second evident taste is fresh with over 90% water content. Given this, the bean sprouts are refreshing to consumers (you will feel like eating salads or cucumbers), which is why it’s an apt addition to summer salads. However, many people consider it to have a bland taste, which is because of the high water content.
As we are discussing the sprout flavor, it’s better to consider the taste of canned bean sprouts as well. For the most part, the canned bean sprouts are packed with oil, water, or brine, which alters the texture and taste. However, if you get the sprout beans canned in water, they will still have a crunchy texture, which makes them suitable for consumption. Overall, the raw taste is a mixture of earthy, crunchy, and fresh – it’s pretty simple, right?
Texture
When it comes down to the texture of bean sprouts, it’s crunchy and crispy. This is because the exterior has a crusty layer that snaps whenever you take a bite. In addition, the bean sprouts have a thin shape, which is why crunch and crispy are the only textures you feel.
What About Other Sprouts?
Now that we have shared information about the bean sprouts, many people consider what the taste of other sprouts will be. Honestly, it can be pretty challenging to characterize the sprouts from each other because every grain, seed, and bean can sprout, and all of them tend to have different flavors. However, it doesn’t matter which sprout you are using; it will have a crunchy texture with fresh flavor. On the other hand, if sprouts are from strong beans and seeds, they will have a strong flavor.
Should You Eat Bean Sprouts?
Yes, you must eat bean sprouts because they are packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. In addition, it has a high fiber content, which helps maintain bowel health and lowers cholesterol levels. In fact, it’s a great option for people who are trying to lose weight. Not to forget, the bean sprouts have choline that supports brain development and detoxifies livers. On the other hand, it always adds great texture and flavor to a variety of recipes, such as salads, stir-fries, and soups.