National Sprout Day

National Sprout Day is celebrated on July 23 each year. In 2026, this date falls on a Thursday. People mark the day by eating and growing sprouts, sharing simple recipes, and spreading word about the nutritional and sustainability benefits of these tiny greens.

History of National Sprout Day

National Sprout Day was established to honor the life and work of Steve “The Sproutman” Meyerowitz, whose birthday falls on July 23. Meyerowitz spent decades teaching people how to sprout seeds at home and promoting sprouts as affordable, accessible, and nutritious foods for families and communities.

The modern campaign to make July 23 a day dedicated to sprouts took shape in the 2020s. Sproutman and allied advocates framed the observance around home sprouting, public education about sprouts’ benefits, and a message of positivity and community sharing.

Why is National Sprout Day important?

Sprouts are celebrated because they offer a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, and plant compounds in a tiny package. Sources associated with the day describe sprouts as having substantially higher nutrient density per gram than fully grown vegetables, making them an efficient way to add fresh nutrition to meals.

Beyond nutrition, sprouting supports food access and sustainability. Home sprouting requires little space or equipment and can turn seeds into fresh greens in days, which helps people grow affordable, fresh food in limited spaces.

• Sprouts can be grown in a jar or simple sprouter with minimal expense.
• Certain sprout varieties, like broccoli sprouts, contain compounds such as sulforaphane that receive attention for health research.
• Because they germinate quickly, sprouts provide fresh produce much faster than typical gardening.
• Sprouting can reduce food waste by using small seed quantities to produce multiple servings.
• Sharing sprouts and sprouting know-how helps build local food resilience and community connection.

How to Celebrate National Sprout Day

Celebrate the day by bringing sprouts into meals and by trying a simple home sprouting project. Toss alfalfa or mung bean sprouts into salads, sandwiches, wraps, or omelets for immediate texture and nutrients. If you prefer, pick up a variety pack of ready-to-eat sprouts at a market and make a sprout-forward salad to share.

Growing sprouts at home is both a practical activity and a way to connect with the spirit behind the observance. Basic sprouting steps include choosing seeds labeled for sprouting, soaking seeds for several hours, rinsing and draining them a few times daily, and harvesting in a few days when leaves emerge.

• Eat more sprouts today: add them to sandwiches, bowls, stir-fries, or simple snacks.
• Start a jar of sprouts: soak seeds 8–12 hours, drain, rinse 2–3 times daily, and harvest in 3–7 days.
• Teach someone else: show a friend or family member how easy it is to sprout at home and why sprouts matter.
• Host a small sprout tasting: offer several sprout varieties and simple dressings so guests can compare flavors and textures.
• Share positivity: follow the movement’s message to be “sproutful” by encouraging kindness and growth in your circle.

National Sprout Day Dates