Wheatgrass is a healthy super food that has been used traditionally in cultures around the world. Today, research scientists and medical doctors are praising its disease-fighting, age-defying properties. Wheatgrass juice has become the trendy new way to keep illness and old age at bay. There is a strong commercial potential in the small scale growing of wheatgrass. It can also be grown on a large scale in special growing sheds with controlled lighting and other desired conditions. Most health shops would welcome a regular supply of fresh wheatgrass.
Young wheatgrass shoots are extremely vital. Wheatgrass is a complete whole-food with enzymes, amino acids, phyto-chemicals, vitamins and chlorophyll working in perfect harmony to help rid the body of toxins and creating overall good health. Wheatgrass juice is made from the blades of the wheat plant. It can be expressed in a wheatgrass juicer, or the grass can be blended in a blender with water (raw honey, edible flowers, etc. are optional) and strained to make a refreshing, nutritional drink. And it is not only the juice that makes wheatgrass worth its title of "green-gold". Derivatives of wheat are currently being used in many leading cosmetic houses because of their anti-oxidant and vitamin E properties.These and other properties in wheat, and especially in wheatgrass are powerful allies in the fight against aging skin.
Wheatgrass - what is it? Wheatgrass is sprouted wheat kernels that have been allowed to grow to 7 inches for 7 to 14 days (depending on warmth), either indoors or outdoors in trays or in the open ground. Wheatgrass is easy to grow. Soak a few cups of whole wheat grains in water for about 12 hours, strain the seeds and spread them on top of trays (with holes at the bottom) containing organic compost. Spray gently with water and cover with board. Keep the the trays covered for a few days until you see the young shoots emerging. Place uncovered in a protected light/shade spot. Water for a further 7 to 14 days ... your wheatgrass is now ready for harvest!
An important by-product of wheatgrass production is the wheatgrass mat. When wheatgrass is cut down to the roots for use, the mat with its developing root-system can be used to great effect for promoting the fertility of the soil in any part of the garden. It is valued for revitalizing dead soil. It can be used on sites such as abandoned mines and areas of soil erosion. This material goes to work aerating the soil and introducing a friendly microbial population of earthworms. The soil becomes balanced and reflects a good acid - alkaline ratio, improving 'moist bulk density', and provides important nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous, in organic form.
The production of 'live' soil is profitable! Market your own ... Composting gains you almost 4 times in direct, quantifiable benefits for every $ you invest. Advantages of this system is that 'live' soil feed plants organically in a balanced way. Quality organic humus is always better, cheaper (if you make it yourself), and safer than chemical fertilizers and supports long-term soil fertility.
This article is adapted from my book, Wheatgrass: Superfood for a New Millennium, published by Vital Health Publishing. Brand: Square One Publishers. USA.
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