Using Wheatgrass

Since humans do not have the ability to digest grasses, to get the benefits of the phytonutrients we have to juice and drink it, or the juice can be applied topically (wheatgrass juice is highly bacteriostatic).

How much to drink?

Drinking wheatgrass juice can be an excellent addition to any diet. You may not need much: as a general guide, 30ml per day is about right to start with. This is about 2 tablespoonfuls, or 1 fluid ounce and will maintain that 'bright-eyed, bushy tailed' look that wheatgrass juice is justly famous for. It really does help build energy levels, increase vitality and general well being.

What juicers are suitable?

Centrifugal or citrus juicers have no wringing action so they cannot extract juice from the strong fibres of grass. Also, their high speeds create heat that destroys sensitive phytonutrients. Wheatgrass needs the slow heavy-duty action of a masticating juicer, which squeezes the juice out of the blades of grass. Masticating juicers extract maximum juice, will also juice any other fruit and vegetables, and are very easy to clean. Please see our site shop for details of hand or electric juicers that are suitable for juicing wheatgrass which you can order directly from us.

How to harvest and drink wheatgrass juice

To harvest wheatgrass, grasp a small bundle of the growing blades firmly, and with a sharp knife, cut it off above the compost level. Rinse in cold water and feed into the spout of the juicer while it is in motion. Push it down with the plunger and hey presto! wheatgrass juice trickles out. Two or three small bundles of wheatgrass fed through a masticating juicer will yield one daily helping of 30ml. Used like this, a tray of Aconbury's fresh organic wheatgrass will provide about 8-10 daily 'shots' of juice.

Living Foods health experts recommend drinking the juice on its own, down in one! But as it has a very strong sweet flavour, many people prefer to mix it with other juices. It can be mixed with juice from a carton or other fresh juices such as fresh organic apple juice, pineapple or a blend of green vegetable juices such as celery, spinach and cucumber. We recommend starting slowly with perhaps 10-15mls until you are used to the flavour and building up to 30mls (1oz) or 2 x 30mls a day for those seeking the benefits of increased energy levels, well-being and vitality.

An Aconbury favourite is a kind of gaspacho, juiced with a fresh tomato, a stick of celery, a chunk of cucumber, a knob of ginger and slice of lemon

Be creative and enjoy!