Wheatgrass

Scientific Classification & Quick Facts

Common name	Wheatgrass
Scientific name	Triticum aestivum
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Liliopsida
Order	Poales
Family	Poaceae
Genus	Triticum
Type	Young wheat shoots (a grass)
Colours	Dark green, rich in chlorophyll
Height	Harvested at about 6 inches
Edible parts	Young shoots, usually juiced
Special feature	Easy to grow indoors in a tray

Wheatgrass is a food that is prepared by the cotyledons of the wheat plant. Wheatgrass is the young shoot of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It should not be confused with couch grass, a different grass. It is used as a good source of nutrients because it contains Vitamins A, C, and E, Calcium, Magnesium, Amino Acids, and Iron. This plant has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its juice is powerful, concentrated liquid and a fine, healthy medicine of nature.

History

Wheatgrass became popular as a health food in the United States in the twentieth century. Ann Wigmore, who was born in 1909 and lived in Boston, promoted wheatgrass juice and raw foods from the 1940s onward. Scientists have not found that wheatgrass cures any disease, and the claim that it was eaten by the ancient Egyptians for 5000 years has no good evidence.

Anatomy

Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll in large quantities; that is why its grass has dark green color and it is an important blood builder. As compared to other food elements, chlorophyll contains more light energy because it is the first product of light. The juice of the wheatgrass contains crude chlorophyll.

Habitat

Wheatgrass is native to temperate regions of the United States and Europe. It is also found in the cold, dry, plains of Western Siberia, Central Asia and Eastern Russia.

Soil for Planting

Wheatgrass requires organic soil for good growth. Potting soil with compost is also ideal for the plant. Well-drained soil also suits the plant.

Planting

At home, you can grow Wheatgrass plants by sowing seeds in a container or a tray. It can be grown easily. Seeds have to be spread in every layer properly. To germinate it takes about 2 to 4 days.

Watering

Wheatgrass requires regular and deep watering. While sowing seeds, each seed should be sprinkled properly. Over watering is not good for the plant because it renders the soil soggy and the roots could rot.

Temperature and Humidity

When wheatgrass is planted, it requires a room temperature of 70 degree F. It grows well in cooler temperature also. It prefers a temperature of 60 to 75 degree F. For storage it requires a temperature of 32 degree F. and 40 %to 60% relative humidity.

Flowering and Maturing Care

Wheatgrass requires care from direct sunlight. It requires moisture in the soil and partial shade. It requires fertilizers for best growth. Wheatgrass should be covered with damp paper tower to retain moisture.

Harvest

When the grass is about six inches tall or its shoots are mature, then it is harvested by the scissors.

Pests and Pesticides

Pests such as Grasshoppers, Ergots and Stem and Leaf Rust affect the wheatgrass, but they do not cause any serious damage to the plant. Smut disease affects the growth of the plant.

Uses

People have traditionally used wheat grass for many conditions. They use for increasing production of a chemical in red blood cells which carries oxygen and hemoglobin. It is used to improve disorder of blood sugar and wound healing; it has traditionally been used for general wellbeing. Wheat grass is used to treat infection of the bladder, Urethra, and prostate and disorder of the urinary tract. It is also used to treat cough, common cold, fever, sore throat, liver disorder, joint pain, bronchitis, gout, respiratory problems and skin problems. The juice of this plant is a popular health drin k and it is very beneficial when taken fresh and on an empty stomach. It improves digestion. In beverages and food,  it is used as a flavoring component.  Its juice helps in cleansing of skin.

Related: Wasabi

Wheatgrass FAQs