1) Wash the beans thoroughly. Place 2 tbsp into a wide-necked jar and fill up with lukewarm water. Leave to stand overnight.

2) Drain off the water, cover the jar with muslin (U.S. cheesecloth) and an elastic band. Leave the jar upside-down to drain in a warm place (an airing cupboard is ideal).

3) Every night and morning, until the sprouts are ready, rinse the beans in the jar with lukewarm water. Shake gently then drain thoroughly. Turn upside-down again to drain.

4) The sprouts will be ready in about 4 days by which time they will have grown to about 4-5cm / 1.5-2 inches in length. Carefully remove from the jar and rinse before using.