The previous chapters have outlined the principle behind using wheatgrass as food and medicine. If you are convinced that wheatgrass is good for you, and you wish to grow your own, there are a few things that you should consider before beginning the growing process. As with many activities, growing wheatgrass will only be perfected through experience. A basic knowledge of what to expect and how to go about the process, however, will help you avoid some common pitfalls.
Beginning the Process
Before you begin growing wheatgrass, you need to locate a storage area for the seeds, soil, and other tools necessary for the growing process. Seeds should be stored in a secure, airtight container to keep out moisture and weevils. Weevils are small beetles that sometimes attack wheat and other grain products. You also need to determine where you will sprout and grow the seeds. Ideally, the wheatgrass should grow in indirect sunlight and have a warm place to begin the sprouting process during the winter months. A temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. The easiest place to set up a growing system might be in the kitchen, where you have access to running water. You can also use the basement, garage, or porch. Basements, however, tend to hold moisture so this might not be the best place for storing the wheatberries (wheat seeds). A greenhouse would be a perfect set up for a growing system. Apartment dwellers can grow wheatgrass in a window box or on a balcony, fire escape (if your landlord agrees), or rooftop. The rooftop might be a bit of a challenge as far as watering is concerned, but it certainly can be done. No matter your location, you can grow wheatgrass if you try. Ann Wigmore, herself, grew wheatgrass in her Boston apartment.
You will also need to decide whether you will be using soil, which is recommended, or an automatic sprouter. An automatic sprouter will allow you to grow the wheatgrass plants hydroponically, or without soil. An automatic sprouter is a growing tray (or trays) designed for sprouting grains easily. Wheatgrass seeds are planted in the same manner as with soil, but they might require a different method for watering. Instead of getting nutrients from the soil, the wheatgrass receives nutrients from a solution made from water and liquid kelp or some other natural product. A timed mist generator is often included to provide water and air to the sprouts. Although wheatgrass can be grown hydroponically, soil is the recommended growing method because young plants tend to look for nutrients from the soil after about three to four days. Some wheatgrass growers, however, report that there is little difference in the two growing methods, as you can always add a mineral product such as liquid kelp to the growing solution. The different planting methods are discussed later in this chapter.
Materials and Costs Associated with Growing Wheatgrass
Many people turn to growing their own wheatgrass because they are natural gardeners and enjoy the growing process. Others begin growing wheatgrass because it can be costly to continuously purchase trays of wheatgrass averaging about $20 per tray or shots of wheatgrass juice at $2.50 per one-ounce shot. Although there can be some initial expense involved in purchasing the various tools and equipment needed to begin growing wheatgrass, many of the materials are reusable. Once you get started, you will be able to produce wheatgrass trays very inexpensively. According to master grower Michael Bergonzi of the Hippocrates Health Institute, growing wheatgrass at home will only cost you about $1 per week.
Grains, seeds, kernels, or wheatberries?
Used courtesy
of U.S. Department
of Agriculture,
MyPyramid.gov.
The first step is finding the main ingredient — wheatgrass seeds. You will need to purchase organic hard winter wheatberries for sprouting. You should buy these from a sprouting seed house or professional wheatgrass grower. Check online for a grower in your area. You can also purchase seeds online if there is not a grower in your area. This is recommended because seeds purchased from a supermarket or health food store might not be fresh or of the best quality. It is important to purchase a good quality seed because bad seeds will not produce good wheatgrass and can also be the cause of mold. Wheat kernels average about $1 per pound, slightly more for organic kernels. A 1½-pound bag of wheat kernels will produce about 64 standard trays of wheatgrass. A standard tray is about 11x21 inches, but sometimes larger trays are used.
There are two main categories of wheat grain — winter wheat and spring wheat — and a variety of different types. Hard winter wheat kernels are generally used for sprouting wheatgrass. A good quality grain will be high in protein content and low in moisture. You should inquire about the protein and moisture content before purchasing the seed. Although hard red and hard white winter grains are both sold, you should purchase the hard red winter wheat. The color of the grain should be deeply golden. If you are purchasing from a professional wheatgrass grower, simply specifying “grains for wheatgrass growing” should be sufficient.
At this point, you might be wondering what the difference is between grains, wheatberries, wheat seeds, and wheat kernels. The difference is in theory. Grains are the seeds of cereal grasses. The wheatberry is the entire kernel of the wheat plant minus the hull. It is made up of the bran, the outer coating of shell; the germ or embryo, the part that grows into a new plant if germinated; and the endosperm, the main part of the seed from which white flour is processed. Kernel refers to large cereal seeds and, as you probably know, plants develop from seeds. A seed consists of an embryonic plant, its food store, and a covering called the seed coat. The terms grains, seeds, kernels, and wheatberries are generally used interchangeable and refer to the same thing.
Importance of an Organic Crop
Many suppliers will tell you that there is no difference between organic wheatberries and wheatberries that are not organic. Organic wheatberries are those grown from plants that have not been treated with chemicals or synthetic fertilizers. Non-organic seeds have been treated. To obtain the highest quality product possible, you must use organic wheatberries. Organically grown seeds from a natural foods store are recommended because they have not been exposed to potentially toxic sprays and fertilizers. Synthetic fertilizers are often derived from hazardous waste products and petroleum. If the soil has an imbalance of nutrients, it will cause the same imbalance in plants grown in it. Organic wheatberries are also derived from plants that have been grown in organic soil — soil that is nutritionally balanced. This allows for a nutritionally balanced product.
Organic wheatberries are also void of poisonous pesticides. Organic products are not treated with such pesticides. Organic growers use natural minerals, soil enzymes, and earthworms to promote soil fertility. They also rely on a number of biological means to control weeds and insects, such as composting crop residues and crop rotation. Crop residues, such as the stalk, leaves, and stems of the plant, are the materials left in the field after a crop has been harvested or the material remaining, such as the roots, seeds, and husks, after a product has been processed for use. This material is composted, or turned into a soil-like substance by decomposition, and used to kill weed seeds and plant pathogens. Pathogens are organisms that cause disease. Crop rotation entails growing different types of crops in the same area but at different seasons to avoid a decrease in soil fertility or the development of pests and pathogens in the soil. According to USDA standards, food labeled “organic” cannot be treated with synthetic, or man-made, pesticides. Foods grown organically are balanced, meaning they are grown in soils that have a balanced nutrient content. This is important for establishing a balanced diet. If you are trying to begin a new, healthy lifestyle, you certainly want to avoid ingesting harmful pesticides, which would defeat the purpose of the new lifestyle.
Wheatgrass Shelf Life
Hard winter wheat has a shelf life of about two years if stored properly. A cool, dry, dark space with low humidity is generally required. You can use glass, hard plastic, or aluminum containers, but they must have tight-fitting lids. Seeds can also be refrigerated or frozen for extended shelf life. However, if any condensation forms, it will shorten the shelf life of the seed. Once germination takes place, the seed begins its growing cycle and the shelf life is decreased. Generally, you will harvest the wheatgrass after six to 12 days of growth, when the grass has reached a height of about 7 inches. Harvested wheatgrass should be consumed immediately or refrigerated. Refrigerated grass is best stored in glass or plastic containers with lids or in eco-storage plastic bags. Standard plastic bags are shapeless and do not allow enough air to pass through to the grass and can suffocate the harvest. Plastic and glass containers have some airflow space at the top. Regular plastic bags also do not drain properly and can cause mildew and bacteria to develop. Refrigerated grass, if properly stored, can last about two weeks according to Steve Meyerowitz, commonly known as the Sproutman. All grass should be juiced before it begins to turn yellow. Once the grass is juiced, it should be consumed immediately or frozen. If storing wheatgrass juice in the freezer, it should be placed in plastic or glass containers. If you use a glass container, make sure the container can withstand freezing temperatures and be sure not to overfill it. This could cause it to break. Frozen wheatgrass has a shelf life of about one year.
Growing Medium
Wheatgrass is generally grown in a soil medium. Though it might be easy to find a gardening supply store or florist shop where you can purchase topsoil, peat moss, and/or compost, it might be challenging to determine the quality of the soil. Soil quality is extremely important when growing wheatgrass. Ann Wigmore recommends using a combination of topsoil and peat moss or topsoil and compost. Pre-mixed soils available at gardening shops are generally acceptable. Light and airy organic soils that include perlite and vermiculite work well. Some growers advise against using bagged organic soil, as it tends to be acidic and wheatgrass prefers more alkaline conditions. If you do use an organic soil, be sure that the organic substances in the soil are completely decomposed, meaning there is no visible organic matter, such as foods, twigs, or leaves, to avoid problems with mold. Good quality compost should be moist, dark in color, and have a loose, granular texture. Wood or bark pieces should barely be present. Also, beware of companies selling processed sewage sludge as organic compost. Sludge is taken from sewage systems and industrial waste plants. Although it has been treated and used in agriculture for more than 80 years, some health-conscious gardeners and farmers are petitioning that it be removed from land application, as it might contain contaminants and toxins. According to a 2009 report by the EPA, sewage sludge, labeled “biosolids,” can be harmful to your health.
Approximate costs of soils from online sellers in 2010 are as follows:
• Topsoil: $2 to $5 per 25-pound bag
• Organic topsoil: $5 to $9 per 25-pound bag
• Compost: $7 for a 25-pound bag
• Organic compost: $6.50 to $13.50 per 3-cubic-foot bag
• Peat moss: $7 to $13 per compressed 4.4-cubic-foot bale
• Lime: $3.50 to $5 per 5-pound bag
• Organic lime: $5 to $6.50 per 5-pound bag
A standard 11x21-inch tray uses about two quarts of soil. Soil should be leveled to about 1 to 2 inches in the tray.
Of course, you can also use the topsoil from your garden if it is rich and fertile. Remember that gardening soil contains bugs that you might not want to bring inside your house. Gardening soil can also be contaminated with animal manure, which is fine for your garden flowers, but you might want to avoid using it in your wheatgrass due to bacteria and possible pathogens. If you do take the soil from outdoors, mix limestone in the soil to offset its acid level. Outdoor garden compost should be sifted completely before mixing with topsoil to remove sticks and large stones. As with garden topsoil, compost that has been treated with animal manure is not recommended for growing wheatgrass. If you are not using compost, you can mix peat moss with the topsoil. Peat moss helps keep the soil light and airy. It also helps absorb water and nutrients added to the soil and releases them over time into the soil. A good soil formula includes 40 percent compost, 50 percent topsoil, and 10 percent peat moss. You can also mix the compost with the soil for a 25 percent to 75 percent soil to compost ratio.
Before you start growing, it is important to determine how many trays of wheatgrass you are going to produce per day. If you plan correctly, you will have enough soil, compost, and peat moss ready when you begin the growing process. To produce one tray of wheatgrass per day, you will need two barrels of topsoil (about eight to 12 25-pound bags) and about half a bale of peat moss. You also need two empty barrels or a compost bin if you are interested in recycling the used plant mats. Plant mats are the intertwined root mats from the wheatgrass blades after they have been harvested. You can read more about composting on the EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/rrr/composting/index.htm.
Automatic sprouters
Wheatgrass can also be grown in an automatic sprouter. Automatic sprouters allow the wheatgrass to be watered automatically and can even control airflow. With an automatic spouter, wheatgrass can be grown without a soil requirement. Instead, a nutrient solution is used. A nutrient solution consists of water and a variety of minerals. This type of growing is referred to as hydroponic growing. Hydroponic techniques have a long history. Many believe the Hanging Gardens of Babylon used hydroponics, and the Aztecs also used this technique to create floating water gardens in the 10th and 11th centuries. It is used extensively today for crop production. First-time wheatgrass growers might have an easier time with growing plants in this manner. Growing wheatgrass hydroponically can save time and be more convenient. This method works well if you have or are working in a small space. Wheatgrass growing comparisons conducted by Steve Meyerowitz and most other growers have concluded that there are no real disadvantages to growing wheatgrass without soil; the nutritional value of the two crops are identical. Dr. Chiu-Nan Lai of the University of Texas did report stronger carcinogenic activity with soil-free wheatgrass. Many expert growers such as Michael Bergonzi of the Hippocrates Health Institute in Florida, however, still prefer growing wheatgrass with soil and believe it to be the better method.
Wheatgrass grown hydroponically alleviates problems with insects and soil-born diseases. Many users claim that hydroponically grown wheatgrass has a taste similar to the taste of green tea, compared to the super sweet taste of soil-grown grass. Wheatgrass growers are still debating whether growing in soil or without soil is the better method. However, it cannot be disputed that growing without soil is certainly more convenient. There is no composting to worry about. There is no soil to mix, and there are very few, if any, fruit flies to combat. Fruit flies and other pests will be discussed later in this chapter and in Chapter 6. There are also fewer problems with mold. Mold, a common problem for wheatgrass growers, is discussed in greater detail later in this chapter. The hydroponic-grown grass also has a milder taste. Deciding which method is best for you and your circumstances can take some thought. As far as nutrition goes, the wheatgrass is still beneficial. Cost can be a consideration, as a two-tier automatic sprouter averages about $100.
Lighting
Any plant needs light to thrive, and wheatgrass is no exception. Light is important for creating chlorophyll, and the greater the exposure to light, the richer the chlorophyll in the plant. During the first four days of germination, little or no light is needed for the wheatberries. Sprouts germinate in the dark or a shady area. Covering the seedlings with a second tray or with newspaper after four days of germination is recommended. The trays are then placed in indirect sunlight or a bright area. Direct sunlight should be avoided initially — too much sun can damage the grass, causing it to rot and develop bacteria and mold. It is important that growing conditions are ideal, especially for the first five days, as most growing problems develop during this time. If the grass is exposed to continuous light, it should be watered frequently to prevent it from drying out. The grass should also be placed near an open window, if possible, so that air can circulate through the blades. Air circulation is important to prevent mold from growing. It is recommended that all the plants get about three hours of sunlight per day. If you do not have sunlight or direct light available, you can buy spectrum grow lights. Growing wheatgrass during dark winter months requires a grow light. The price of grow lights can range from about $15 to $80, depending on the bulb wattage and whether the bulb is attached to a fixture or automatic timer.
Jars, bags, trays, and racks
Wheatgrass sprouting takes place in jars and growing takes place in trays or other suitable containers. Standard sprouting jars can be purchased for about $5 per jar. These jars have ready-to-use lids for rinsing the wheatberries. You can also assemble your own sprouting jars. If using Mason jars or other wide-mouthed jars, you can purchase some type of screening (nylon mesh or cheesecloth) from a hardware store. Affix this screening to the jars with heavy duty rubber bands. Sprouting lids can be purchased separately for about $3 per lid. A dish draining rack will work well for draining the wheatberries. Wheatberries (about one cup per jar) should be rinsed and placed in jars with about two cups of water. Jars should be covered with screens and left to soak overnight or for eight to 12 hours. Wheatberries are then drained, rinsed, and left to sprout for another eight to 12 hours. Jars should be inverted at a 45-degree angle for the best drainage during the sprouting time. Wheatberries should also be rinsed twice daily — once in the morning and once in the evening — during the sprouting time period. Some growers prefer hemp and flax sprouting bags to jars, as the wheatberries can breathe and drain more effectively in these containers. You can buy a sprouting bag for about $12.
Once sprouted, you will need to place the wheatgrass in growing trays. These hard plastic trays can be purchased from sprouting nurseries or restaurant supply stores for about $2 or $3 per tray. You will need a tray with drainage holes for planting the sprouts and a bottom tray to catch the drained water. Some growers use a third tray to cover the sprouts during the first three to four days of growth, but brown wrapping paper can work just as well. A growing stand or rack can be helpful if you are growing more than one tray per week. Growing stands, also called “sprouters,” are simply free-standing shelving units that allow you to grow multiple trays of wheatgrass at once. Sprouters can be automatic, where the watering is done for you, or manual. Growing stands can cost anywhere from $80 to more than $300, depending on whether the tray is muti-tiered, has wheels, lights, and a watering and drainage system. If you are handy, you might be able to build your own stand. Instructions for doing so and for purchasing some hard-to-find parts are available on the Grow Wheatgrass website (www.growwheatgrass.com).
The Effect of Climate
Although wheatgrass is not difficult to grow, it is important to achieve ideal conditions to successfully grow your plants. A temperature range of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for producing a good crop. Lower temperatures hinder plant growth and higher temperatures can scorch grass and even encourage mold growth. Wheatgrass grows for about seven to ten days before it is ready for harvest. The actual growing time for the wheatgrass will vary from climate to climate and season to season. Temperatures tend to fluctuate according to climate, and indoor temperatures vary depending on which household appliances are in operation. When choosing a location, consider how any appliances, like refrigerators or ovens, will affect the plant. A regular garden thermometer can be helpful in monitoring growing temperatures. These are available at garden centers ranging from $10 to $20.
Growing indoors
Tray of indoor-grown
wheatgrass shoots.
Growing wheatgrass indoors allows for an around-the-year crop. It also allows for better control of the growing environment. The trays of grass are generally grown in greenhouses or under fluorescent lighting. When grown in this fashion, the growing time is accelerated. Many people report that tray-grown grass has a concentrated sweet taste, which is probably due to the accelerated plant growth. Because the plant reaches the nutritional peak so quickly, the simple sugars do not have a chance to convert to complex carbohydrates. Thus, the indoor-grown grass is sweeter. This concentrated growth and sweet taste might also contribute to the quick energy burst experienced by some users. The tray-growing method causes the plant to place most of its effort on growing leaves rather than developing the root system. The tray-grown grass is not as nutrient dense as field-grown grass. Some people grow wheatgrass indoors for consistency in production and maximum safety, meaning protection from the elements, pests, and disease.
The mold issue
One of the biggest problems of growing wheatgrass indoors is dealing with mold. There are several varieties of mold, and it is almost impossible to avoid all mold types at all times. The type of mold that generally grows on wheatgrass is nonpathogenic, meaning it is does not cause harm to the human body. It is still under debate, however, whether it is the mold that causes feelings of dizziness and nausea in some wheatgrass users or whether it is the detoxing effect of the juice itself. For all types of mold, the mold is on the wheatgrass or its roots and not in the wheatgrass, thus, it can be rinsed off. The wheatgrass can also be cut off above the mold and used. Mold that is harmful to humans is also harmful to the plant and the wheatgrass will not survive under the attack of these molds.
Most growers try to avoid mold on their plants by keeping a clean, controlled environment. Tips for avoiding mold, according to Master Grower Michael Bergonzi and other expert growers, include the following:
• Soak the wheatberries for no more than eight hours.
• Spread the wheatberries in a thin layer without overlapping to avoid crowding.
• Add grapeseed extract, colloidal silver, or baking soda to the rinse water to keep mold at bay.
• Circulate air through the wheatgrass blades as they grow.
• Keep growing temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Clean trays with bleach or hydrogen peroxide after each use.
• Use only quality wheatberries.
If you have a known allergic reaction to mold, it is recommended that you do not consume wheatgrass or wheatgrass products.
A word about fruit flies
Another issue indoor growers might have to contend with is chasing off fruit flies. These annoying pests are generally attracted to ripening or fermenting fruits and vegetables. They are also attracted to wheatgrass mold. Eliminating fruit flies is a daunting task that will require diligence and plenty of patience. You can try using an exhaust fan to discourage the flies or fly paper to trap them, but getting rid of the flies is difficult. The best way to handle this problem is to strive to grow mold-free wheatgrass.
Growing outdoors
Wheatgrass field.
You might have noticed that quality wheatgrass grown outdoors is grown in its natural habitat. Kansas is one of the best places for growing cereal grasses in the United States because of its ideal climate. Growers claim that this boosts the nutritional content of the plant. Soil quality is also important, and soil scientists agree that the central plains of Midwestern states are the most fertile for crop production. Wheatgrass can be grown outdoors in the spring and fall. Winter wheat grown outdoors takes about 200 days of slow growth to reach the nutritional peak of 7 inches. The result is a thicker, more nutritionally dense blade compared to tray-grown grass. Ann Wigmore noticed in her grass experiments that wheatgrass grown outdoors in the shade brought forth sturdier stalks. The color was also richer, the roots were more extensive, and the juice had a more pleasant taste and aroma. The full plant and wheat will only grow about one inch during the first month, and an extensive root system is developed that will sustain the plants during the cool, winter months. During the course of the 200 days, the simple sugars are converted to complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and other nutrients. Carbohydrates are important for providing the body with the energy needed to function properly. Complex carbohydrates starches, allow stored energy to be released over a period of time; the body does not experience the sharp rise and fall of blood sugar levels and energy of the simple sugars. The conversion of the simple sugars into complex carbohydrates contributes to the milder taste of the field-grown grass.
Many companies try to capture the essence of the field-grown grass by dehydrating it and selling it as powders, capsules, or tablets. If you have the space and would like to try growing wheatgrass outdoors, it can be a profitable venture. Keep in mind, however, that you will have to contend with insects, birds, and pets that are attracted to the wheatgrass.
Is it really fresh?
Wheatgrass companies claim that their outside-grown wheatgrass is very high in nutrition because it receives 200 days of sunlight. Technically speaking, wheatgrass or any plant growing through the winter cannot see 200 days of actual sunlight. Depending on the growing climate, there will be snowfall and heavy rain. This could pose a problem with the outdoor method, as these elements can possibly damage the wheatgrass.
Additionally, the plants can only be harvested for a few days out of the year. How fresh can wheatgrass powder be that was harvested one year in advance? This is a question that indoor growers are asking. Outdoor-grown wheatgrass is also subject to the environment, which means the wheatgrass could have problems with bugs, birds, and rodents. Outdoor growers, however, contend that growing in the field is the best method for wheatgrass production.
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Field-growers vs. Tray-growers |
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• Slow outdoor growth of about 200 days |
• Accelerated indoor growth of seven to ten days |
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• Gains nutrition from the soil and sun energy |
• Not subject to pests, diseases, and critters found outdoors |
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• Mold-free due to the frigid winter temperatures and the sunshine and fresh air of spring |
• Not subject to damage from sun or winter frost; enzymes remain intact |
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• Freeze-dried for preservation |
• Harvested fresh for immediate consumption |
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• No need for juicer for consumption |
• Need juicer for consumption |
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• Nutrients include complex carbohydrates for easy assimilation |
• Nutrients include simple sugars, which can cause spike in blood level |
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• Consumed for nutritional benefits |
• Consumed for therapeutic benefits |
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• Cost under $1 per serving |
• Cost over $1 per serving |
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• Mild flavor |
• Intense flavor |
Incidentally, another group of growers claim that in order to get maximum nutrition from the wheatgrass plant, the roots must also be consumed. Auxin, P4D1, and other important nutrients found in wheatgrass roots encourage damaged cells to repair themselves. Auxin is a substance that aids the growth cycle of plants and also stimulates cell reconstruction. P4D1 also works with defective cells, encouraging DNA repair. Wheatgrass that is consumed totally (roots and leaves) is grown using the aeroponic growing system. This system grows plants using air as opposed to soil, as is used in tradition growing methods, or water, as is used in hydroponic growing. Roots grown in soil cannot be cleaned well enough to be safely used. For more information of aeroponic growing, visit Thin Air Growing Systems website (www.thinairgrowingsystems.com/what_is_aeroponics.htm).
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Case Study: Working with Nature |
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Tom Stem, owner DynamicGreens Wheatgrass 161298 9th Line, Stouffvile, Ontario L4A 7X4 Canada Phone: 877-910-0467 |
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Tom Stem at the farm.
DynamicGreens Wheatgrass is a family business that has been growing and juicing wheatgrass since 1972. The family members actively participating in the business are Tom, Janice, and Derek Stem. DynamicGreens is sharing their personal experiences. It is important to note that these statements have not been evaluated by the Federal and Drug Administration and their product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Having both the breast cancer gene and a long history of blood sugar problems, the Stem family faced the same health issues that many others are facing today. The use of wheatgrass juice was initiated by Tom and Janice to find ideas, experience, and education regarding a health crisis. The end result was the adoption of a raw food centric approach that is thoroughly detailed in the book How I Conquered Cancer Naturally by Edie Mae Hunsberger. |
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Janice followed this program precisely and experienced the same results as the author and, after nine months of wheatgrass juice use at 8 ounces per day, she was given a clean bill of health. In the 1970s, relatively little was known about growing wheatgrass. To hone their skills, Tom and Janice participated in sprouting groups across Canada and the United States. The methodology at the time was to grow in shallow trays indoors, and the Stem family faithfully grew and juiced their wheatgrass in this fashion. It was at this time that the Stems made a significant discovery. After two years of use, Janice, who had been diligently consuming the juice, began to find it increasingly difficult to tolerate. It began with the smell, which created a strong aversion to drinking it, and later developed into an allergic reaction. As luck would have it, renovations were taking place on the house during this time. This resulted in the greenhouse being inaccessible, so the wheatgrass was planted in the garden instead. The difference in the taste and tolerability of the juice grown outdoors in the garden was simply amazing. It tasted delicious, it smelled fresh and clean, and it was easily consumed. In seeking to understand the difference, the Stems thoroughly experimented with the wheatgrass. It became clear that the mold so often battled with indoor, tray-grown wheatgrass was the culprit. Despite being diligent growers, cutting high on the plant and washing it as thoroughly as possible before juicing, mold could not be avoided. The decision to move to growing outdoors for a natural, mold-free crop was an easy one. The importance of growing the wheatgrass outdoors also led to another development: the freezing, and later flash freezing, of the juice in order to capture the best possible plant and maintain the potency of the juice. Grateful for the benefits of the juice and delighted with the quality of the field-grown plant, the Stems shared their experiences. Before long, family, friends, and neighbors began actively seeking the juice. The Stems shared the wheatgrass juice freely; however, as interest in the juice grew, the local demand became impossible to keep up with. Eventually, it became necessary to sell the juice to make the capital investments to meet demand. In 2000, Derek Stem, Tom and Janice’s son, experienced his own wheatgrass intervention, which caused newripples of excitement. The result was that the family joined forces to actively grow the business and spread the news about wheatgrass. The DynamicGreens Wheatgrass company was formed, and Tom, Janice, and Derek have been shipping wheatgrass juice into the North American market ever since. |
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The Stems learned even more as they expanded growing operations and started using rigorous testing methodologies. One of those findings was related to the nutritional content of the juice. Not only is the field-grown wheatgrass free of mold, it has far higher phytonutrient content. Plants have many environmental responses, like a flower turning toward the sun. When subject to the variable conditions of the Ontario climate, the plant releases different phytonutrients to cope with heat, cold, wind, rain, drought, overcast skies, or intense sun light. These phytonutrients are the nutritional backbone of the plant and are critical to fulfilling its full potential as a super food.
DynamicGreens’ frozen Growing outdoors and strictly avoiding chemical use does introduce some unique challenges such as weed control. Weed control is resolved through hard work in the summer and the assistance of freezing cold in the winter. During the summer months, weeds are kept at bay through fallowing, or leaving the ground unattended for a period of time, and continuous cultivation of the land until the fall crop is planted. The spring crop is planted in early August, which allows the wheatgrass to establish a good root system and crowd out any weeds that might be present. The winter months do the rest. Wheatgrass embraces the winter and literally springs back to life in the spring; however, any weeds present do not survive the winter season. DynamicGreens does not use any pest control because there is no issue with pests on young wheat. They point out that plants become interesting to pests when they begin to die and decompose. Wheatgrass is harvested at the opposite end of its lifecycle, when it is in the prime of its life. They also note that additional steps are taken to ensure the clean nature of the grass and the juice. These include custom designed cutting equipment. This keeps the cutting process low but still completely off the ground so no microorganisms that might be a part of the soil are present. In addition, a thorough washing of the harvested grass ensures the production of an extremely clean juice. DynamicGreens firmly believes in the superior quality of the field-grown wheatgrass. Having worked with both indoor and outdoor methods of growing, it is a conclusion based on personal experience. They continue to strive to produce great-tasting, nutrient-rich wheatgrass for the availability of all. |
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