1. Wheatgrass 101 General Instructions Tap to continue...

2. Basic Steps for growing Grass in Soil In a mason jar, rinse 2 cups of hard red wheat berries, 2 or 3 times with either spring or filtered water Completely immerse the grain in water. The water should almost reach the top of the mason jar to allow for expansion. SOAK for 9 - 12 hours. Overnight works very well. DRAIN the soak water through a sprouting top. RINSE the grain with fresh spring or filtered water and allow to GERMINATE for 2 days, RINSING twice daily. It is best to place the mason jar at a 45 〫 angle with the sprouting top down to allow for drainage. Healthy sprouted grain will have a single shaft emerging from the gain and several hairlike rootlets after a couple of days Soaking 2 days of germination Tap to continue...

3. Fill a tray about 1 inch deep with a mixture of 1/2 topsoil and 1/2 compost. (Preferably local and organic) Evenly sprinkle a light dusting of Azomite over the soil. Azomite is a trace mineral fertilizer that ensures the highest nutritional value of the plant you grow. Gently lay the sprouted grain evenly over the top of the soil. 2 cups of dry grain fills a standard 11x22 inch seedling tray after it has been sprouted. Water the entire tray of grain throughly; try not to disturb the grain. A sprinkling can works very well. Cover the grain by either laying a second tray on top, sandwich style, or a damp clean cloth to mimic a greenhouse effect. Again please use filtered or spring water. S et the tray in a shady, cool spot, ideally around 70 〫 F. I used my guest shower. It made watering much easier.

4. Check you crop daily - without fail- to make sure the seeds are not drying out and water only if they are dry. A mister or atomizer is ideal at this stage for adding a small amount of water to the seedlings without significantly wetting the soil. When the sprouts reach approximately 2 inches in height (about 3 days), start watering with your watering can. Water once daily. Be careful to only use enough water to moisten the soil. If you were to squeeze the soil in your hands, it would be moist but not drip. This will help avoid mold growing in your wheatgrass. Tap to continue...

5. At the two inch height, the cover lies loosely over the sprouts. At three inches, eliminate the use of the cover and expose the grass to normal light. 2 inch stage before cover is removed 3 inch stage with cover removed These trays were covered again to allow for more growth These trays remained uncovered Tap to continue...

6. Wheatgrass is mature and ready to harvest when 7 - 10 inches tall. This usually falls between 10 and 14 days depending on the climate. Another marker is when the blade develops a second stem. Harvest by cutting about 1 inch above the soil using a serrated knife. Tap to continue...

7. Juicing your Wheatgrass Juicing your Wheatgrass You will need either a manual or automatic wheatgrass juicer. There are many varieties to choose from. I don’t mind putting a bit more effort into juicing manually. Personally, somehow the extra work makes the end product more rewarding. After harvesting the wheatgrass, load the juicer with the tips of the blades down. Keep turning the handle clockwise until juice begins to drip out of the bottom holes. Continue to add wheatgrass in small handfuls so the juicer doesn't get jammed up. Tap to continue...

8. Nutritional Benefits The most outstanding feature of the wheatgrass is its very high content of chlorophyll at about 70%. This alone makes it a superfood that has a highly energizing and alkalizing effect. Wheatgrass is a complete food and an excellent source of vitamin C, E, K and B complex (including B12). In the minerals department, it is rich in calcium, cobalt, germanium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, protein, sodium, sulphur, and zinc. This miracle grass also has a long list of amino acids - about 17 types of them and about 80 known enzymes. The end result --------------- Fantastic with a squeeze of lemon! Tap to continue...

9. The best way to enjoy all the health benefits of this liquid sunshine is in the form of its fresh juice. One or two ounces a day is enough to provide you the energy to last the day, beats coffee anytime !! Acidosis: Its alkaline minerals are essential for cleaning out the tissues and maintaining the alkalinity of the blood, making it effective in combating acidosis. Alzheimer's Disease, prevention: This is one of the very few juices that can actually remove heavy metals from the system. Regular consumption will greatly help to prevent Alzheimer's disease and any other mental problems. Anemia: The high grade content of iron in wheatgrass juice makes it a great blood builder, increasing red blood cell count. It regenerates and reactivates the red blood cells and supplies fresh oxygen to the body. Anti-inflammatory: The high alkalinity properties makes it the perfect choice of food for people suffering inflammatory ailments, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-oxidant: The high anti-oxidant content helps neutralize free radicals and oxidation that find their way in the body. It helps reduce the harm caused by air pollutants like carbon monoxide or cigarette smoke. Athletes foot: The anti-fungal effect of wheatgrass juice helps to relieve the itchiness caused by athletes foot. Soak your feet in a small bucket with distilled water pre-mixed with two ounces of the juice. Bad breath (halitosis) and body odor: The ability of this green juice to detoxify the lymphatic system and gastro-intestines, makes it a wonderful help in reducing or eliminating bad breath and body odor. Body building: Wheatgrass juice contains a long list of amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. It is reported to contain almost 50% protein (almost three times more than that of beef). So, forget protein powder which may contain harmful animal protein. Instead, incorporate this miracle juice into your daily routine. Health Benefits of Wheatgrass Tap to continue...

10. Cancer: The fine chlorophyll and beta-carotene obtained from wheatgrass juice is beneficial in fighting and preventing cancer. A variety of flavonoid compounds found in this grass are powerful anti-oxidants and anti-cancer agents. Studies have indicated at least a 40% risk reduction in cancer development. Candidiasis: The anti-bacteria effect of wheatgrass creates an unfavorable environment for yeast and bacteria. Regular consumption of this juice will help to prevent further yeast and bacterial growth. Chlorophyll : The bioavailable chlorophyll found in wheat grass juice can protect us from carcinogens (cancer causing substances) like no other food or medicine. Studies in animals indicate that it helps to reduce absorption of a variety of serious carcinogens (Zeigler, 1995). It strengthens the cells, detoxifies the liver and bloodstream and chemically neutralizes the polluting elements in our environment. Given that the liver is the main organ of detoxification in the body, it is important to note that chlorophyll stimulates and regenerates it. Three compounds found in the juice that helps the liver with this are: · Choline which prevents the deposition of fats; · Magnesium which draws out excess fat; · Potassium which invigorates and stimulates Detoxify: Consuming this wonder juice regularly for detoxifying of the lymphatic system. It also helps eliminate encrustrations and fecal matter in the intestines and colon for a healthier gastro-intestines. Diabetes: The ability to regulate blood sugar level makes this green juice a suitable drink for diabetics. High blood pressure: The protein-like compounds in the high quality chlorophyll from wheatgrass has been found to be beneficial in lowering high blood pressure. Immune system: Drink 1-2 ounces of wheatgrass regularly to build your immune system. Tooth decay: Gargle wheatgrass juice to prevent tooth decay, relieve toothache, treat bleeding gums and control pyorrhea (infection and loosening of tooth sockets). Weight control: Because the nutrition in wheatgrass juice is so complete, it relieves your body of cravings, thus reducing the unnecessary need to overeat. Wounds: Pour two ounces of wheatgrass juice into a small bucket of distilled water. Use this water to dab generously on wounds, itchiness and sores; and experience great relief with accelerated healing. Nutritional Information from http://www.juicing-for-health.com/health-benefits-of-wheatgrass-juice.htmlhttp://www.juicing-for-health.com/health-benefits-of-wheatgrass-juice.html Tap to continue...

11. Hints and Tips If you are having a problem with mold... Make sure you have good quality grain/seeds Temperature: Grass likes cool temperatures and is happiest around 70 〫 Air circulation: a fan in the room helps mold spores from ganging up Soil: good airy soil eliminates many problems Drainage: too much water stuck in a tray, or soil that is too wet, fosters the growth of mold. Hydrogen peroxide: is a natural, non-toxic mold killer. Spraying or misting the young seeds or emerging grass at the root, can be helpful in in keeping the mold at bay. Tap to continue...

12. If you are allergic to wheat or gluten... ALLERGIES AND SENSITIVITIES: Wheatgrass is different from wheat. One is a green vegetable, the other a grain. The green vegetable grass contains no gluten and is therefore should be no more allergic than spinach or lettuce. That doesn’t mean that you might not be allergic to something else in the wheatgrass. It does however, contains antiallergic factors. Since allergies are immune responses to toxic irritants, detoxification is crucial to any allergy treatment problem. (Steve Meyerowitz, 1998) Tap to continue... word of caution... One word of caution: wheat grass juice is high in vitamin K, which is a blood- clotting agent. People taking blood-thinning medications or people with wheat-related allergies shouldn't drink wheat grass juice without consulting a health care professional.

13. Recycling your leftovers Compost the used soil and grass ! Dogs love a tasty ground wheatgrass treat! (no it won’t make them throw up) DELICIOUS! Compost the used soil and grass ! Dogs love a tasty ground wheatgrass treat! (no it won’t make them throw up) DELICIOUS! YUM! Tap to continue...

14. HAPPY JUICING! BY AJ HARRIS WNP 3 : 2-4-2011