Broccoli Sprouts Vs. Alfalfa Sprouts – What’s the Difference?

Are broccoli sprouts and alfalfa sprouts the same? They look pretty similar! What makes them different?

If you are a foodie or diet-conscious person, these questions must be in your mind. Well! Alfalfa sprouts and broccoli sprouts have a similar appearance, making it challenging to distinguish between them. But when it comes to flavor and nutritional value, both are significantly different.

So, the easiest method for choosing which sprouts to try is to become familiar with their different flavors and health advantages.

To make things simpler for you, this post articulates all there is to know about broccoli sprouts and alfalfa sprouts, including the similarities and differences.

Let’s get started!

Broccoli Sprouts Vs. Alfalfa Sprouts – What Are They?

The shoots that emerge from broccoli seeds are known as broccoli sprouts. They feature a green tip and a delicate white shoot. Research on the health benefits of broccoli sprouts has made them more widely known in the last ten years. They are mainly popular because they are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, nutrients, and minerals.

The alfalfa beans produce alfalfa sprouts. Alfalfa has been used in medicines for several decades and is classified as a legume and an herb. It has long been rumored to provide healing and health benefits, but research has recently begun into these claims.

Broccoli Sprouts VS Alfalfa Sprouts – What’s the Difference?

You must have known that broccoli and alfalfa sprouts are the two most frequently consumed sprouts. However, these sprouts’ specific similarities and differences are not commonly known.

Here we have outlined the main differences between broccoli and alfalfa sprouts:

• Texture

Both sprouts have a crunchy feel that snaps when you bite into them. They contain a very high percentage of water, just like all sprouts.

• Appearance

They have a similar appearance. Even up close, both the sprouts share the same distinguishing features of a white stalk and green leaves on top. Please take a few and eat them to determine which ones are which. It is readily apparent from their taste.

• Flavor

Alfalfa and broccoli sprouts have very different tastes. The flavor of broccoli sprouts, similar to mustard or radish, is ideal for dressing a salad. On the other hand, alfalfa sprouts have a milder, nuttier flavor.

• Cooking

Alfalfa and broccoli sprouts are both too fragile to be cooked. So, when added to a stir-fry or other meal, they can become a part of it and lose their crispy quality.

You should choose the right kind of sprouts for you based on whether you enjoy nutty or mustardy flavors, depending on your taste and preferences.

Nutrition & Health Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts Vs. Alfalfa Sprouts

Both sprouts are loaded with nutrients, which can help with better health. Let’s read on to see the differences in the nutrition of both the sprouts.

• Dietary Fiber

Compared to alfalfa sprouts, which have 1.9 grams of dietary fiber per 100 grams, broccoli has 2.6 grams of dietary fiber, making it an excellent source of dietary fiber.

• Calories

Similar calories are found in alfalfa sprouts and broccoli; alfalfa sprouts have 23 calories per 100 grams, and broccoli has 34.

• Sugar

Similar sugar levels are found in broccoli and alfalfa sprouts; per 100 grams of broccoli, there are 1.7g of sugar and 0.2g of sugar, respectively.

• Protein

Protein content in alfalfa sprouts and broccoli is comparable; alfalfa sprouts have 4g and 2.8g of protein per 100g, respectively.

• Saturated Fat

Both the sprouts are low in saturated fat; alfalfa sprouts have 0.07g and 0.11g of it per 100 grams, respectively.

Broccoli Sprouts VS. Alfalfa Sprouts – Which One Grows Faster?

Usually, broccoli sprouts fully sprout between 3-4 days. Whereas alfalfa sprouts generally require 4-5 days. There isn’t much difference; they may fully sprout almost simultaneously depending on the environment.

Broccoli Sprouts VS. Alfalfa Sprouts – Which One Lasts Longer?

If broccoli sprouts are properly washed, rinsed, and stored in the refrigerator, they should last 2-4 weeks. They retain much of their flavor when being frozen for three months. They can be consumed up to a year after storage, though this is not advised.

Alfalfa sprouts have a shallow shelf life. Only a few days in the refrigerator will keep them edible. Like all sprouts, they should ideally be eaten the same day that they are picked or purchased. It is advised not to freeze alfalfa sprouts because doing so will significantly lower their quality.

Do Broccoli Sprouts Contain More Sulforaphane or Alfalfa Sprouts?

Broccoli sprouts have high sulforaphane content as they belong to the cruciferous vegetable family. Broccoli sprouts that have been frozen will have twice as much sulforaphane as fresh sprouts. You should freeze the sprouts if you plan to consume them for their alleged health advantages.

Alfalfa sprouts do not belong to the cruciferous vegetable family. Therefore, you cannot find sulforaphane in them. Despite having the same vitamins, minerals, and health advantages, alfalfa sprouts are not the same as broccoli.

Are Broccoli Sprouts Better or Alfalfa Sprouts?

Both varieties of sprouts are nutrient-dense and include a wealth of minerals and vitamins.

Alfalfa sprouts are preferable to broccoli sprouts for people trying to lose weight or control their blood sugar levels because of their lower glycemic index. On the other hand, B6, calcium, vitamin K, and dietary fiber are all abundant in broccoli. Also, potassium and vitamin C are two nutrients that are abundant in broccoli.

Therefore, your requirements and tastes will ultimately determine the ideal kind of sprout for you.

Final Verdict

By now, you must be very clear about the differences between broccoli sprouts and alfalfa sprouts.

Both broccoli and alfalfa sprouts are produced from the seeds of their respective plants. So, they have a somewhat different texture and different flavor. Alfalfa sprouts have a light nutty flavor, whereas broccoli sprouts typically have a radish or mustardy flavor.

Like broccoli sprouts, alfalfa sprouts contain a modest amount of saturated fat. Compared to alfalfa sprouts, broccoli sprouts have many more calories per serving and high sulforaphane.

Both varieties of sprouts provide an abundance of vitamins and minerals in terms of nutrition. Now, which one is better? Well, the best kind of sprout for you ultimately depends on your requirements and tastes.

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