Wheatgrass is a variety of grass that is sprouted from wheat kernels that possesses therapeutic and nutritional properties. The optimal level of growth of wheatgrass is from 6-10 inches of height, sprouted and grown for 7-14 days, depending on the temperature (warmth) of the growing conditions.
Wheatgrass deodorizes and remove unpleasant odors wherever it is applied. It is an excellent remedy for anemia and other blood disorders. It is anti-cancer and assists in breaking down toxic molecules in our bodies. It is anti-aging as it fights free radicals and protects skin cells from UV radiation when applied to the skin. It is also an active ingredient in purifying water supplies. As a complete food, wheatgrass suppresses the appetite. It also helps in balancing our bodies with its rich vitamin and mineral content.
Wheatgrass aids in blood purification, liver detoxification, and colon cleansing. It is a good source of Vitamin Ct Vitamin B, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E. It contains Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Alkaline Minerals, Potassium, Zinc, Boron, and Molybdenum. It is antioxidant, alkaline-forming, and has amino acids, chlorophyll, and enzymes.
Wheatgrass is available in juice, concentrate, extract, powdered and in tablet forms. Wheatgrass and wheatgrass juice is available in the Philippines. Selected health spas and health institutes carry it. Tablet forms are sold at selected health and natural food stores. There are also juice bars that are now selling wheatgrass juice. You may also purchase wheatgrass, its seeds, and its juice at direct growers like EDSA Garden House where wheatgrass juicers are also sold. Juicers are also available at selected department stores.
It is best to take wheatgrass juice in small amounts throughout the day on an empty stomach, wait thirty (30) to forty-five (45) minutes before taking other foods or drinks. As part of your regular health routine for maintenance, take 1 or 2 ounces of juice a day or every other day. When you get used to the taste, smell, and effects of wheatgrass juice, you may take 2-4 ounces a day.
For therapeutic dosage, take 4-10 ounces a day spread out in 3-4 intakes within the day. E.g. In taking 6 ounces a day, take 2 ounces in the morning, 2 in the afternoon, and 2 in the evening.
Wheatgrass Juice can be mixed with other fruit and vegetable juices. Do not mix with citrus. Citrus kills enzymes and enzymes are one of the most important parts of wheatgrass juice.
Growing of Wheatgrass:
Basic Steps for Growing Wheatgrass in Soil
Things You’ll Need:
- Quality wheatgrass grains – 1 cup (around 150 grams)
- Seedling tray – 2 pcs. with holes, plain flat deep-set surface
- Premium soil (like Buhaghag Potting Mix)
- Sprinkler Sprayer
These steps are to be followed best in Metro Manila growing conditions.
- Soak the quality wheat grains for 4-5 hours.
- Drain the soaked water, wash the seeds in tap water and rinse.
- Germinate (sprout) the seeds for 24 hours, wash it every 2-3 hours.
- Fill the seedling tray with 1 -2 inches depth of soil.
- Spread seeds evenly on top of the soil.
- Water the entire tray using a sprinkler head spout {sprinkler sprayer).
- Cover the seedling tray by laying a second tray on top upside down.
- Set seedling tray in a shady spot.
- Check daily and moisten the seedling tray twice a day.
- Remove cover when the wheat blade is about 1 inch tall.
- Expose to indirect sunlight, water once a day.
- Wheatgrass is mature and ready to harvest in 7-10 days at about 7-8 inches tall.
- Harvest by cutting 1 cm above the soil using a sharp pair of scissors or knife. Have a bowl handy to place the cut blades.
What to do with Used Wheatgrass Mats?
- You may compost used wheatgrass mats. It is a good addition to compost bins and worm bins.
- You can also feed it to chickens. They love pecking out the berry and getting some fresh greens at the same time.
Basic Steps for Juicing Wheatgrass (1oz)
Things You’ll Need:
- Wheatgrass blades – more or less 40g = 1 oz. of pure juice
- Manual or electric grass juicer
- Short glasses or measuring cups
- Bowl for grass pulp
- Organic non-toxic veggie wash (optional)
These are the steps to be followed:
- Wash the wheatgrass blades thoroughly. You may also use an organic non-toxic veggie wash to clean the wheatgrass blades.
- In using either kind of juicers, you will need a bowl to catch the expelled pulp and shot glasses or measuring cups to hold the juice. Feed the grass into the hopper and either crank or let electricity do the work. Soon a dark green liquid will come out with the pulp coming out separately. The pulp can be run through the juicer again. A light green foam comes out as well making a head on the juice.
- For best results, the juice should be used within 30 minutes of harvest and juicing. It will keep for about 12 hours in the refrigerator. Discard left-overs after 12 hours.
- Juice may also be frozen as ice cubes, freezing preserves the enzymes.
Other pointers:
- Do not rinse the grass if it will be stored in the refrigerator as water will hasten its decomposition.
- Cut grass can be stored for up to seven days, in glass or plastic container with lids, in the refrigerator. Do not use yellow-tinged grass.
- For best results, grass should be juiced and used immediately
Where to get seedlings:
Wheatgrass, Seeds, and Juice are available at:
Manila Seedling Bank Foundation Environmental Center
EDSA near Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Telephone No. (02) 929-3189
Telefax No. (02) 927-0510
Photo: en.wikipedia.org