Know Your Spice: Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a potent superfood that is derived from the young shoots of the wheat plant. This immature grass of wheat plant is valued for its high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Known for its detoxifying and health-boosting properties, it is commonly consumed in juice or powder form.

If you wish to know more about wheatgrass then this is the post that will help you learn interesting things about this herb. Find out about the grading parameters, different grades, harvesting and history of wheatgrass.

Wheatgrass: Botanical Information

The botanical name of wheatgrass is Triticum aestivum.

Wheatgrass is the immature grass that is harvested before the plant reaches the jointing stage. It grows as a monocotyledonous annual plant having long, narrow, and flat leaves with parallel venation. These leaves have bright green color which is because of high chlorophyll content.

What are the Parameters for Grading Wheatgrass?

It is important to learn on what basis wheatgrass is graded. We have come up with a list of parameters that are generally used for grading this herb:

1. Nutritional Content: There are three important nutritional characteristics on which wheatgrass is graded:

• Chlorophyll Content: Good quality wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll content because of which it has a vibrant green color which is also an indication of its detoxifying properties.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Higher the content of minerals and vitamins, the better the quality of wheatgrass is. The concentration of vitamins (such as A, C, E, and B-complex) and minerals (such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium) is a critical factor.
• Enzymes and Amino Acids: The presence of essential enzymes (like superoxide dismutase) and amino acids is also considered in grading as they are responsible for contributing to the overall health benefits.

2. Appearance: The overall look of the wheatgrass is an important parameter for grading this herb under different categories:

• Color: High-grade wheatgrass has vibrant bright green color. It is not only an indication of freshness but also high content of chlorophyll.
• Texture: The texture of the leaves should be tender and smooth as it also indicates freshness of the leaves. Tough, fibrous, or yellowing leaves are considered low on quality.
• Uniformity: The consistency in leaf size and color across the batch is another important parameter for grading. Inconsistent leaf size and color indicate low quality.

3. Taste and Aroma: These are important parameters for grading wheatgrass.

• Taste: High-quality wheatgrass has a mild, fresh, and slightly sweet grassy taste. If it has a bitter, sour, or musty flavor they it may indicate poor quality.
• Aroma: High-quality wheatgrass should have fresh and grassy aroma. Off-smells are indicators of spoilage or poor storage conditions.

4. Harvesting Time: Wheatgrass that is harvested at the optimal time which is 7-10 days after sowing is considered to be of high quality as it is at this time when the nutrients are at its peak. Early or late harvest can reduce the nutritional value of wheatgrass and also impact its taste.
5. Purity: Good quality wheatgrass is supposed to be pure which means that it should be free from contaminants like molds, dirt, debris etc. It should not contain any chemical residues to rank high on purity.
6. Certification and Standards: They are the important parameters of grading the wheatgrass based on their overall quality:

• Organic Certification: Organic certification from recognized bodies adds to the credibility of the wheatgrass and makes it healthy for consumption.
• Lab Testing: Some high-grade wheatgrass products are lab tested for verifying their nutritional content, absence of contaminants, and compliance with food safety standards.

What are the Different Grades of Wheatgrass?

Here are the different grades of wheatgrass which have been used for categorizing them based on their quality, nutritional content, purity etc.

Grades for Whole Wheatgrass: Here are four different grades for whole wheatgrass leaves:

1. Premium Grade (Grade A): These are vibrant, bright green color leaves with highest levels of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. They are grown organically without using chemicals and are harvested at the peak of their maturity. They rank high on purity and have a mild, fresh, and slightly sweet taste. Wheatgrass under this category often carries organic certification or any other quality mark.
2. Standard Grade (Grade B): Wheatgrass leaves under this category are green but may be less vibrant. They have good levels of nutrients, but they are lower compared to premium grade. They are grown under healthy conditions but possibly with the use of synthetic inputs. They are clean but may have minor traces of other materials within permissible limits. They have mild grassy flavor but may have slightly more bitter or less sweet flavor that the premium grade. Leaves under this category may or may not have organic certification.
3. Commercial Grade (Grade C): These are green leaves but with possible paleness. They have lower levels of nutritional content, and they are grown under standard agricultural practices with potential use of synthetic additives. These leaves are likely to contain more impurities, but they are still safe to consume. Their grass taste may be more bitter, and they may not smell fresh. They are unlikely to be uncertified.
4. Feed Grade: This grade of wheatgrass is used for feeding animals. Leaves under this category are dull green or yellowish, lacking visual appeal. They have considerably low nutrient levels, and they are grown under minimal care. They may have high levels of contaminants. Aroma and flavor are not relevant as leaves under this category are used for animal feed.

Grades for Powdered/Processed Wheatgrass: Shared below are the grades used for powdered wheatgrass:

1. Premium Powder: This is the finest quality of powdered wheatgrass. This is freeze-dried or low-temperature dried wheatgrass powder which has maximum nutrients and a fine, uniform particle size.

1. Standard Powder: This is the powdered form of wheatgrass that is dried at moderate temperatures. It may have a coarser texture and may have lost some nutrients during the process.
2. Commercial Powder: This is the category which includes wheatgrass powdered with high temperature drying which leads to significant nutrient loss, and may have a coarser, inconsistent texture. As the name suggest, this category is used for commercial purpose.

Suitable Conditions to Grow Wheatgrass

For optimal growth and high nutrient content, it is important to give wheatgrass a conducive environment to flourish. We have come up with suitable conditions for growing wheatgrass.

1. Climate: Temperate climate is the most suitable climate for wheatgrass to grow with the temperature range between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It needs plenty of sunlight for photosynthesis which is important for producing high chlorophyll levels. Moderate humidity levels (40-60%) are ideal for growing this plant as high levels of humidity can cause mold growth while low levels of humidity can cause plants to dry.
2. Soil Requirements: Well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter is perfect for wheatgrass. It should be light and airy for quick drainage. Well-rotten organic matter requires to be added to the soil for improving its fertility.
3. Watering: Consistent moist soil is the requirement for wheatgrass plant, but it should not be waterlogged. Overwatering can result in mold growth and root rot. Ideally, the soil should be watered lightly but regularly.
4. Seed Selection and Preparation: Organic seeds are perfect for producing nutrient-rich wheatgrass. They should be free from contaminants and must be soaked in water for around 8-12 hours to help them soften and support faster germination.
5. Planting: Soaked seeds are spread evenly across the surface of the soil in a shallow tray. They should be close but there should be no overlapping so that they are able to produce a dense crop. Sometimes these seeds are covered with a thin layer of soil which helps in retaining moisture and promoting uniform germination.
6. Germination: Ideally, the tray should be kept in dark area for the first 2-3 days. This encourages sprouting. The suitable temperature for the process should be around 70°F (21°C).
7. Growing Period: After germination, the trays are placed at locations with indirect sunlight so that the wheatgrass is able to develop its green color and nutrient content.

Harvesting Process of Wheatgrass

Learn about the step-by-step process of harvesting wheatgrass to enjoy vibrant green color and high nutrient levels:

1. Optimal Harvesting Time: Once wheatgrass is about 7-10 inches tall, it is ready to harvest. To reach this height, it takes around 7-10 days after planting. Just before the jointing stage, the grass is at the peak of its nutritional content and at this stage, second blade starts to form.
2. Harvesting Process: Tools like sharp scissors or knives are used for harvesting wheatgrass for a clean cut. It is cut just above the soil level by leaving around 0.25inch of the base intact.
3. Post Harvest Handling: Once harvested, wheatgrass should be used or juiced immediately for its best nutritional value. Once cut, the nutrients start to degrade gradually.
4. Storage: If not used immediately then it can be stored in airtight containers with a damp paper cloth in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
5. Freezing: Sometimes, wheatgrass is out in the freezer immediately after harvest in order to preserve most of its nutrients. Freeze the whole blades or extract its juice and freeze it.

Which All Countries Grow Wheatgrass?

There are lots of countries which grow wheatgrass. We have compiled a list of these countries:

• United States: Sates of California, Oregon and various other states grow wheatgrass which is used in juice production, nutritional supplement, and health foods.
• Canada: Various provinces in Canada with suitable climatic conditions cultivate wheatgrass. This herb is quite popular in the health food industry in Canada.
• India: The northern states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana grow wheatgrass in India. It is used in traditional health practices and in modern health supplements.
• Australia: Victoria and New South Wales offer suitable conditions for wheatgrass cultivation. Wheatgrass is readily available in organic markets and health stores in the country.
• United Kingdom: In UK, wheatgrass is grown indoors under controlled environments and also outdoors during the warmer months. This is a popular herb in the health and wellness industry in the country.
• New Zealand: The country offers suitable climatic conditions for wheatgrass cultivation. It is cultivated for domestic consumption as well as export.
• European Countries: European countries such as Germany, Netherlands, and Italy are known for producing wheatgrass because of the growing health food market.
• Japan: Despite having limited agriculture, Japan grows wheatgrass. It is grown indoors in controlled environments and makes a popular ingredient in health supplements and juices.
• China: Various parts of China cultivate wheatgrass in greenhouses and in controlled environments.
• South Africa: There are certain temperate regions in South Africa which provide conducive environment for cultivating wheatgrass for it makes a popular commodity in health food market.

History of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass has a vibrant history that dates back to ancient India and Egypt where it was revered for its health benefits. Egyptians considered it as a sacred plant and used it for promoting vitality and well-being. In India, it was used in Ayurvedic medicines for balancing energies in the body and detoxifying the system. Wheatgrass was also consumed by the Greeks and Romans for its ability to improve strength and stamina.

The modern history of wheatgrass began in the 1930s when Charles F. Schnabel, an American agricultural chemist, conducted research on its health benefits. Following his research, the use of wheatgrass gained popularity in the 1940s and many nutritional supplements and products were developed using wheatgrass as an important ingredient.

In the 1960s, Ann Wigmore, a Lithuanian-America holistic health practitioner, popularized wheatgrass in the United States. She promoted this herb for its detoxifying properties and various other health benefits. It was because of her promotion that wheatgrass was included in the list of emerging superfoods.

Wheatgrass in the Contemporary World

In the modern world, wheatgrass has established itself as a staple in the health and wellness industry where it is celebrated for its purported health benefits and versatility.

Due to its dense nutrient profile, it is classified as a superfood, and that's the reason it has become an important addition to health-conscious diets. It is widely used for detoxification as it is believed to help cleanse the liver and detoxify blood and body. Wheatgrass is one of the most popular immunity boosters.

Wheatgrass shots are a common offering at juice bars across the globe. Wheatgrass powder is widely available and makes an easy addition to juices and smoothies. It is also available in convenient capsule and tablet forms which make it easy to consume.

Wheatgrass consumption is not just limited in form of juices. It is also used in various culinary applications, especially in plant-based cuisine and health-conscious foods. Wheatgrass powder is used in preparing protein shakes, salad dressing, energy bars etc. Companies are also experimenting with incorporating this herb into baked goods, snacks, and other processed goods, in order provide a healthy and nutritious food to the consumers.

Ongoing studies on wheatgrass aim to validate the health benefits of wheatgrass. The nutritional composition of this herb is continuously analyzed for understanding its potential as a dietary supplement. Studies are also conducted on its bioavailability.

In the present times, wheatgrass is looked upon as an established component of the health and wellness industry. It enjoys widespread popularity and attention from the scientists who are conducting regular research to explore and validate its health benefits.