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What is Organic Wheatgrass?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Organic wheatgrass is the shoots of young wheat which have been produced using organic farming techniques. The precise qualifications for organic labeling vary around the world, making organic wheatgrass a rather variable agricultural product, but in general, organic products are grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides, and in soil which has not been treated. Organic wheatgrass is most commonly used in juiced form, with people drinking straight wheatgrass shots or adding it to juiced drinks and smoothies.

Some people believe that wheatgrass confers health benefits. This food is definitely high in protein, vitamin E, and some nutritional enzymes. A number of claims are made about wheatgrass, ranging from the reasonably sensible theory that consuming wheatgrass as a nutritional supplement is probably beneficial to the diet to unsupported claims about the ability of wheatgrass juice to cure a variety of diseases. Some people consume wheatgrass simply because they like the fresh, grassy taste, not because they are particularly interested in the benefits.

Organic wheatgrass and wheatgrass juice.
Organic wheatgrass and wheatgrass juice.

A number of claims are also made about produce which has been grown organically. Organic produce is generally believed to be better for the environment and more sustainable, and some people also believe that it has more vitamins and minerals than conventionally produced produce. Others want to promote the use of natural production methods for growing produce, and some people believe that they are supporting small businesses by buying organic, although in fact organic companies can be just as large as conventional ones. Both wheatgrass and organic foods are viewed as health foods by some people, so it is perhaps not surprising to see the two combined in the form of organic wheatgrass.

Shots of organic wheatgrass juice.
Shots of organic wheatgrass juice.

People can purchase organic wheatgrass in the form of powder which can be consumed in capsules, added to drinks, or used as a garnish for various foods. They can also buy organic wheatgrass juice, with many people recommending that the juice be consumed as soon as it is prepared, to avoid losing nutritional value. Health food stores often have a juicer on the premises for this very reason.

A healthy green breakfast smoothie may feature spinach or kale in addition to organic wheatgrass.
A healthy green breakfast smoothie may feature spinach or kale in addition to organic wheatgrass.

For people who own a juicer, organic wheatgrass can be purchased in cultivated flats or grown at home from organic seeds and in an organic soil medium to make juice in the home kitchen. The wheat shoots can be sheared to make juice, with most wheatgrass withstanding several shearings before it finally dies off and needs to be reseeded. In a warm home, wheatgrass can be cultivated year round, ensuring a steady supply.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Organic wheatgrass and wheatgrass juice.
      Organic wheatgrass and wheatgrass juice.
    • Shots of organic wheatgrass juice.
      By: MSPhotographic
      Shots of organic wheatgrass juice.
    • A healthy green breakfast smoothie may feature spinach or kale in addition to organic wheatgrass.
      By: Johan Larson
      A healthy green breakfast smoothie may feature spinach or kale in addition to organic wheatgrass.
    • Wheatgrass powder is believed to improve oxygen content in the blood, cleanse toxins from the body, and supply a high concentration of vitamins commonly found in green vegetables.
      By: Marek
      Wheatgrass powder is believed to improve oxygen content in the blood, cleanse toxins from the body, and supply a high concentration of vitamins commonly found in green vegetables.
    • Wheatgrass is high in fiber and can be added to a banana-orange or other fruit smoothie.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Wheatgrass is high in fiber and can be added to a banana-orange or other fruit smoothie.