Sprouted beans loose the gas producing qualities of unsprouted beans and become readily digestible.  Each variety of bean has its own distinctive taste and all are adaptable to every kind of use, from appetizers to breads and soups.  Optimum sprouting time is 3 to 5 days and sprouted length should be 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches, depending on the bean.  The rule of thumb for beans is the longer the bean the longer the sprout.  The larger bean sprouts tend to be tougher and smaller ones are more tender.