Young Home Sprouted Barley Grass

ou can grow barley grass in almost the twinkling of an eye… : ) Growing barley grass is simple, lush… We use a little soil even though one can grow without. The naturally composted soil from my organic peelings contributes to thick, long growth. Here, the young barley grass forms dew at the tips. Barley grass has a wider blade than wheat…

We simply soak the seeds (with husks) overnight at least 12 hours or so. Then, we lay them on a layer of soil, cover with soil to provide darkness and prevent drying.

Soil is not necessary for the seeds to sprout. However, our composted and nourishing soil allows for a particularly verdant, rich, thick and luxurious deep green “thatch.”

We allow the blades to grow almost a foot, then juice them, freezing or refrigerating the excess. Believe it or not, we pour an ounce or two of this barley grass juice on our doggie’s dinner (she eats it all up). And we would swear that she’s much better for it.

We had noticed that she tried to eat certain fresh blades of lawn grass. Now that we provide the fresh, raw green barley juice, she no longer tries to nibble on the lawn. Perhaps there’s some vital nutrients her body craves, since we currently have her on a home cooked diet.

Barley juice is less sweet than wheat juices, but still very nutritious and energizing. We get 2 growths from our seeds, then we simply recompost. The spent seeds themselves are excellent soil amendments.

Orig Jan 27, 2011