Growing sabzeh for Nowruz: a family-friendly Persian New Year tradition

Going green: a learning adventure for kids

Every year, as the world slowly shakes off winter’s gloom, I find myself in a familiar pre-spring ritual: growing sabzeh, or mung beans, in preparation for Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Nowruz, marking the first day of spring, is more than a date on the calendar, it’s a celebration of renewal, rebirth, and yes, watching tiny beans sprout into vibrant green life. Sabzeh is central to the Haft Sin table, symbolising nature’s renewal, and for us, it’s become a staple family tradition that even Cyrus can get swept up in.

On paper, growing sabzeh sounds delightfully simple. In reality, it’s a mixture of patience, suspense, and a lot of daily sprinkling of water. Mung beans are meant to be quick-growing, but as any parent attempting this with a small child will tell you, “quick” is relative. Some days, nothing seems to happen; other days, the sprouts appear almost overnight.

I’ve learned that involving children in the process turns what could be a mundane task into a mini-lesson in responsibility. Little C insists on helping, carefully spreading out the beans in their shallow container. It’s therapeutic in a way, tiny hands gently arranging seeds.

A simple act

The next step is soaking the beans in water for a few days. Changing the water daily might feel tedious, but in our house, it’s become routine. Little C takes this task seriously, ensuring the water is fresh and the beans are happy. By day two or three, the first tiny white sprouts appear, an early sign that life is stirring beneath the surface.

At this stage, we cover the beans with a moist paper towel, a little green blanket that helps them thrive. Sprinkling water on them is a lesson in attentiveness, and pride in nurturing something to life.

From sprouts to green glory

As the sprouts grow taller, the moment comes to remove the paper towel. It’s like revealing a miniature forest overnight. Little C loves the transformation from plain beans to lush green shoots. Each day, we continue the sprinkling ritual, and I can’t help but feel a quiet sense of satisfaction.

The beans continue to grow, inching closer to the full glory needed for the Haft Sin table on March 21st. By this point, Little C often stands by, hands clasped, watching the green shoots with anticipation.

A cultural and family bonding experience

What I love most about growing sabzeh is how it blends culture, family, and hands-on learning. Incorporating Persian New Year traditions into our home means Cyrus absorbs more than just the mechanics of growing beans; the final result is hugely rewarding.

More ways to celebrate Nowruz at home

For those curious about Persian New Year traditions, growing sabzeh is just the beginning. Setting up a Haft Sin table, preparing symbolic dishes, or trying your hand at traditional crafts can enrich the experience for children and adults alike. These activities are more than just cultural displays; they create lasting family memories and teach little ones about heritage and symbolism.

We like to combine these moments with storytelling, ensuring that our cultural roots are passed down in a way that’s meaningful and fun.

Waiting for the new year

As we watch our mung beans flourish, we’re also counting down to the first day of spring. The sabzeh, now vibrant and lush, is ready to greet the New Year with freshness and vitality. Little C beams with pride every time he peers at the green shoots, knowing he had a hand in their growth.