Summer Cool Offs – Why and How to Grow Wheatgrass at Home

It is a common fact that eating right is essential to stay healthy during summers. There are many vegetables and fruits we all know like watermelons, cucumbers, oranges, pineapples and we’ve all heard of their benefits as well. However, it is not easy to fit in all the options in our daily diet. This is where the power-packed Wheatgrass comes into the picture. Just one glass of wheatgrass juice provides most of the necessary nutrition to stay cool and healthy during the hot summer season.

According to Dr.Rupali Datta, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Fortis-Escorts Hospital, “Wheatgrass is a good source of Vitamin A, C, beta carotene, antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and Chlorophyll. It is good for immunity, heart and overall health of our body.”

The millennials and the fitness freaks have found out that the grass is greener, especially when it comes from wheat. And of late, the contemporary market of health foods has caught up on the popularity of wheatgrass alongside quinoa and kale. Raw food enthusiasts believe that wheatgrass is a wonder food and regular consumption is highly advocated.

What is wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum) is from the wheat family, a cultivated young grass from the cotyledons of the wheat seeds. It is available easily in many forms – fresh raw juice, powdered supplements, tablets, etc.

Tip: Consume the wheatgrass juice within 20 minutes of juicing it, keeping the juice for longer period results in oxidation of essential nutrients and minerals.

Nutritional Information:

• 30ml of fresh wheatgrass juice equals the nutritional value of 1 kg green leafy vegetables.

• 100 grams of wheatgrass contains 20 calories, 2 grams of carbohydrates and 0.06 grams of fat.

• Proteins, Minerals, Amino Acids, Enzymes, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K and B-Complex are found in abundance.

Health Benefits of Wheatgrass:

For its fantastic health benefits, wheatgrass consumption dates back to thousands of years with evidence proving its usage by ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations.

Here are some benefits of wheatgrass:

• Improves blood haemoglobin levels.

• Boosts immunity, metabolism, and aids in digestion.

• Regulates blood sugar levels.
• Unlike wheat, the grass does not contain gluten.

• An excellent source of antioxidants.

• Improves the functioning of kidneys and liver.

• Chlorophyll has anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties and also helps regenerate tissues and in treating skin disorders & arthritis.

• It has anti-inflammatory properties, may help in treating ulcerative colitis.

• Also contains magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, and thiamine.

Growing Wheatgrass at Home:

Here is a stepwise guide to growing wheatgrass in your home. Wheatgrass seeds are readily available in the market.

Wheatgrass is luscious, vibrant, bright green colored grass which grows well in summer. They, however, require less sunlight and can be grown in your kitchen or sunroom or anywhere under shade.

Step 1: Soaks the wheatgrass seeds

• Rinse organic wheatgrass seeds properly with cool, clean water.

• Air-dry the seeds for a few minutes and transfer them to a bowl.

• Soaking the seeds initiates germination, the seeds will have sprouted small roots when kept overnight.

Step 2: Planting and Watering

• Use a plastic tray or pot containing soil for planting the germinated seeds.

• Use 2-3 paper towels at the bottom of the pot for proper drainage. Excess water can spoil the sprouts.

• Place the seeds with equal distance and slightly press the seeds into the soil, but do not submerge them.

• Water the seeds just to keep the soil damp but not waterlogged.

• At this stage, the seedlings will need ample heat and sunlight.  A temperature of 60F must be maintained.

• Make sure you spray some water lightly before going to bed so that the seedlings don’t dry out overnight.

• After about 4 days, the seedling would have produced about 1/2 inch grass. Water the grass once every day.

• Keep the grass in partial sunlight; direct sunlight will damage the grass.

Step 3: Harvesting the wheatgrass

• After 9-10 days of growth, the grass blades should be about 7 inches tall. Cut the grass above the roots.

• The grass is ready to be juiced.

Step 4: Regrow

• The same roots can be used for a second and third harvest. Adding organic fertilizers to the soil after every harvest boosts yield.

• The duration for wheatgrass growth between every harvest is about 7-10 days.

Wheatgrass supporters vouch for its miraculous health benefits and its nutrient richness is also acknowledged by health experts. If you do not have the patience or time to grow wheatgrass at home, do not worry. Use Green Station’s Organic Wheatgrass powder in your everyday diet. It will promote healthy digestion and aid in the body’s natural detoxification processes.