Is alfalfa and alfalfa sprouts the same thing?

Alfalfa and alfalfa sprouts are related but not the same. Alfalfa refers to the mature plant (Medicago sativa), which is often used as feed for livestock and for its nutritional benefits. Alfalfa sprouts, on the other hand, are the young shoots that emerge from germinated alfalfa seeds, typically harvested within a week of sprouting. While both are nutritious, they differ in taste, texture, and culinary uses.