Today, I want to share with you a simple, yet powerful recipe that has transformed my mornings – Wheatgrass Juice. I first heard about the incredible benefits of wheatgrass juice on an empty stomach from a friend who is a health enthusiast. Intrigued by its potential, I decided to embark on this green journey.
Grow Wheatgrass at home
Growing my own wheatgrass was the first step. The first time around, I didn’t have proper growth and I realised I was sowing it in the wrong season! I also didn’t have proper sunlight where I had kept my pot in the balcony. A colleague in the office helped and we cut a matka (an earthen pot) to make a pot. Kept the pot in shade till the wheat sprouted and then in the sunlight for growth. This allowed for good drainage as well.
Within 3 days, the wheat had sprouted and within a week, I had taken the first harvest. The grass grows back for a second harvest as well.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about nurturing a plant from seed to sprout and watching it grow each day. It’s a small act of service to Mother Nature that fills me with joy and gratitude. Let me know if you need any help with growing wheatgrass at home. At Urban Farms we also conduct regular gardening for beginners classes with the same intention of helping people experience the joy of harvesting fresh in their own homes!
Wheatgrass Juice Benefits
Wheatgrass is high in fibre (it’s all grass after all! :)!) thus great for a healthy digestive system. I am told that the best way to consume wheatgrass juice is on an empty stomach in the morning. Not a lot but just about a 30-60ml diluted shot.
There are plenty more health benefits of wheatgrass:
- High in vitamins A,C and E
- high in antioxidants and
- high in minerals – iron, magnesium, and calcium
But for me, the primary reason for trying out wheatgrass is its ability to act as a natural cleanser.
How you can make your own delicious wheatgrass juice at home.
Initially, I planned to consume the wheatgrass as a shot, straight up. But then, a fellow food blogger, Vanitha, suggested a twist – seasoning it with black salt and cumin powder. I highly recommend it! Without it, wheatgrass juice has a very grassy and intense taste.
How to make Wheatgrass juice at home
Ingredients (1cup = 240ml; 1tbsp = 15ml; 1tsp = 5ml)
- 100 g Freshly harvested wheatgrass (about two handfuls)
- Black salt to taste
- Roasted cumin powder to taste
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly washing the wheatgrass to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat dry and chop into small pieces.
- Next, juice the wheatgrass using a slow juicer. If you don't have a juicer, you can blend it with a little water and then strain it using a fine-mesh sieve. 100g wheatgrass will give about 100ml juice (with some dilution)
- Store the fresh wheatgrass juice in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Every morning, take about 15ml juice and dilute with equal amounts of water, add black salt and cumin powder to taste. Stir well.
- Take a shot and enjoy!
Notes
If you are growing wheatgrass at home, you will be able to harvest a fresh batch every week. So make just enough to last the week (keep the juice refrigerated and add seasoning only before serving).
This simple, yet potent juice is a great way to kickstart your day. The wheatgrass provides a burst of energy and nutrients, while the black salt and cumin add a savory touch that makes it truly enjoyable.
Remember, the key to enjoying this juice is to consume it on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. This allows your body to absorb all the nutrients effectively.
I have experienced a change in my digestion since starting it. I do give it a break. So a week of wheatgrass juice in the morning, then a week of warm turmeric water, then fenugreek water and such. I use the juice in smoothies also and sometimes just a little in salads too!
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Here’s to a healthier, greener lifestyle!
Your detailed guide on growing and juicing wheatgrass is incredibly informative!, Thank you for sharing your expertise and passion for urban farming!”