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Growing Wheatgrass
Growing wheatgrass is not as daunting as people may think! It is actually a very simplistic process with wonderful results. Having your own plantation of wheatgrass means not only that you can reap the benefits of the juice but also the residue pulp can be incorporated into your daily beauty regime or used to clear up endless skin complaints or other external grievances. Sixteen trays of wheatgrass grown once a week will provide a family of four with super nutrition. Provided that you have all your equipment on-site, planting the kernels, watering and covering them only takes about ten minutes. Wheatgrass is certainly easy to grow with rewarding results.
Here is a user friendly guide on how to grow your own greens:
What you will need:
16 standard seed trays with holes at the bottom
1lb of whole-wheat kernels
2 large black refuse bags
High quality organic compost
2 thin boards e.g. plywood approx 24 inches x 36 inches each
Extra coverings such as canvas for winter growing
Method
Place the kernels into a sieve and place them under running water, gently rinsing them to remove any debris. Transfer the seeds into a glass bowl and submerse them in enough water to cover them twice over. Place a plastic covering over the bowl and leave to soak for approx 14 hours in the summertime, however slightly longer during the winter months, usually around 16 hours. After this time, strain the seeds and the soak water into a glass jug, this makes a ferment called Rejuvalec (Rejuvalec will be discussed more in the recipe/beauty section).
Next position the trays together and fill them half full with compost. Immerse a small handful of the wheat kernels, which have previously been soaked, into the trays. Evenly distribute the seeds so that they are in close proximity, touching each other and then cover with a small amount of compost. Gently spray to moisten the seeds and compost mixture and cover the trays with the black refuse bags or alternatively anything dark in color, i.e. newspaper that will prevent any light getting to the seeds. These conditions simulate the action of the kernel within the soil. Germinating kernels, provided with water, warmth and protection, will develop their own eco-culture, producing burgeoning growth, especially within its root system.
If you intend to grow the wheatgrass outdoors I would suggest placing a griddle over the table with the wheatgrass trays on top. This provides a drain for any excess water to seep out of. The plastic boards can be put on top and used to protect the wheatgrass sprouts from both the winter weather conditions and the harsh heat during summer, which can both have detrimental effects in the growing process.
Growing the wheatgrass indoors is probably an easier choice of location. The trays can sit on top of newspaper that will absorb the water residue and the trays should be kept covered as outlined above. Position them somewhere warm, the kitchen worktop area is a suitable home for them - out of direct sunlight.
Mist the seeds approx once a day, ensuring not to over-water as this can lead to mold and fungus growth which you definitely don't want! Remove the coverings daily to allow adequate circulation of air. Check to determine the condition of the soil and if it's looking dry then gently spray the area. After a few days from the start of this process (3 or 4 )the grass will grow to around one or two inches during the summertime, and will take a little longer during the winter. Once the grass grows to this height, it can be uncovered. The emerging leaves should be a very pale yellow color. The trays, once uncovered, should be moved to a protected and warm light-shaded area. When the chlorophyll in the leaves is exposed to the sun, the leaves will emanate with a magnificent healing energy.
For a further 7 - 14 days continue to water the grass, depending on the calendar month, it will take longer during winter and less time during the summer. The grass is now ready for you to harvest! Cut the grass near to the root and store the fridge until you are ready to use. The grass will be preserved in the fridge for up to 7 days but after this time will have lost most its beneficial nutrients.
After harvesting your wheatgrass, it's root-mat is ready for either the compost heap where you can lay it down roots up, or for a protected spot in the garden where it can be replanted. Start by pulling out the whole root mass from the seed tray (by tugging gently in one corner - it should all come out in one piece) If you are planting it out in the garden water it every day. Growing your own wheat to maturity is certainly a rewarding experience.
Drying the Pulp
Leave the pulp in the strainer until most of the juice has run out. Squeeze the pulp a little so that it is not too wet. Break of walnut sized rounds and flatten slightly. Place them onto paving stones or bricks in a sunny spot in the garden. Turn the pulp rounds over every few hours in the course of the day. On a hot summers day they can dry out in about 8 hours.
Place the rounds in a paper bag , as they oxidize they will darken in colour. Ensure that the bag is not too tightly fastened as this can cause mold to appear, allow an opening to circulate the air. The dried pulp rounds can be added to bath mixtures (see the recipe/ beauty section on how to make Wheatgrass Bath Milk). The rounds contain a large amount of pro-vitamin A which converts to Vitamin A in the intestine. Vitamin A in this form is safe to use on the skin, and it is also protein-rich! Protein in Wheatgrass is dramatically enhanced during the drying process. Raw honey if used in the wheatgrass juice, will give your pulp added potency.
Plea
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