Finding the Best Juicer for Wheatgrass Juicing
Wheatgrass is an extremely nutritious plant revered for its concentrated vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other beneficial compounds. Juicing wheatgrass helps preserve these delicate nutrients while making them easy for your body to absorb. However, getting the most out of wheatgrass requires a juicer that can efficiently process its tough, fibrous stems.
When searching for the best juicer for wheatgrass, specialized designs made specifically for leafy greens provide superior juice yields and quality. This guide covers what to look for in a wheatgrass juicer, top models on the market, helpful tips and recipes for enjoying wheatgrass juice.
Why Wheatgrass Juice?
Wheatgrass refers to the young grass shoots of the common wheat plant Triticum aestivum. It contains an immense concentration of vital nutrients including:
- Chlorophyll - potent antioxidant
- Vitamins A, C and E - immune boosters
- B vitamins - energy production
- Amino acids - muscle growth and repair
- Iron - oxygen transport and blood formation
- Magnesium, calcium, zinc - bone strength
Consuming just a couple ounces of fresh wheatgrass juice provides a huge nutritional boost. Wheatgrass promotes detoxification, gut health, immunity, vitality and more.
Key Features of a Wheatgrass Juicer
Wheatgrass has a tough, stringy texture that requires a specialized juicing method. Here are the ideal features to look for in a wheatgrass juicer:
Cold Press Juicing
Cold press or slow juicers crush produce at lower speeds to minimize heat and oxidation. This preserves delicate nutrients like chlorophyll and live enzymes that get destroyed at high speeds. Masticating juicers provide optimal cold press juicing for wheatgrass.
Single Auger Design
The best wheatgrass juicers have a single auger or screw design that effectively crushes and presses wheatgrass pulp to squeeze out juice. Dual gears found in some models are not as efficient for fibrous grasses.
Slow RPM
Wheatgrass requires a very slow, high-torque motor operating at 80 RPM or less. Slow speeds allow time for the auger to crush plant fibers and extract juice fully before ejecting the dry pulp.
Powerful Motor
Processing tough, dense wheatgrass demands a powerful motor. Look for at least 150 watts for dry grasses, with heavier duty motors above 200 watts optimal.
Small Feed Chute
A narrow feed chute is crucial so wheatgrass can be firmly compressed along its length for maximum juice extraction efficiency.
Reverse Function
Auger jams can occur when juicing fibrous wheatgrass. A handy reverse function lets you clear jams quickly.
Compact Size
Look for a compact wheatgrass juicer under 20 inches tall. Counter space-saving models with a small footprint are ideal for wheatgrass juicing.
Easy to Clean
Search for wheatgrass juicers with 3 or fewer parts that are quick to disassemble, clean and reassemble between juices for convenience.
Top 5 Wheatgrass Juicers
Based on features, efficiency, durability, and customer reviews, here are 5 of the best wheatgrass juicers currently available:
1. Omega J8006HDS Juicer
This masticating Omega juicer is designed specifically for leafy greens like wheatgrass. It has a powerful 200-watt motor, 80 RPM cold press auger and small 1.5 inch feed chute ideal for wheatgrass.
2. Tribest Z-Star Z-510 Manual Juicer
A manual hand crank model allows slow wheatgrass juicing without electricity. Sturdy stainless steel twin gears provide a 3 year warranty.
3. Aicok Slow Masticating Juicer
With 150 watts of crushing force at 80 RPM, this inexpensive Aicok masticator performs well for wheatgrass newbies on a budget.
4. Omega Vertical Masticating Juicer
This vertical design takes up minimal counter space. Ideal for wheatgrass with its 110 RPM motor and juice tap built into the base.
5. Lexen GP27 Manual Wheatgrass Juicer
A clamp style manual juicing press that lets you quickly juice wheatgrass with no motor required. Durable stainless steel build backed by 10 year warranty.
Tips for Juicing Wheatgrass
Follow these best practices to get the most from your wheatgrass juicing:
Buy Fresh, Local Wheatgrass
For best flavor and nutrition, purchase wheatgrass directly from a local grower rather than pre-packaged greens. Look for vivid green blades.
Cut Wheatgrass to Right Length
Trim wheatgrass to fit the juicers feed chute length, usually around 6 inches. This prevents clogging.
Alternate Wheatgrass With Other Produce
Mixing in carrots, apples or leafy greens helps cleanse the machine between wheatgrass batches.
Juice Wheatgrass Immediately
Juice wheatgrass right away after cutting or buying to prevent nutrient loss. Consume immediately as well.
Store Juice Properly
Pour wheatgrass juice into a sealed glass container with no headspace and refrigerate up to 3 days. Freeze for longer term storage.
Rinse Wheatgrass First
A quick water rinse removes debris and prevents clogged screens when juicing.
Enjoy Wheatgrass Juice Straight
For the biggest nutrient boost, consider drinking pure wheatgrass juice shots daily. Chasing with water cuts grassy taste.
Clean Juicer Thoroughly
Always disassemble and wash all parts after use to prevent mold or bacterial growth in juicer crevices.
Troubleshooting Wheatgrass Juicing Problems
Some common issues that can arise with wheatgrass juicing include:
Low Juice Yield
If getting little output, let wheatgrass soak for 30 minutes before juicing or add a bit of water during juicing to increase yields.
Juicer Jamming
Slowly push produce through to avoid jamming. Use the reverse function if available. Alternate with softer produce.
Pulp Too Wet
Increase juicing time to fully extract liquid. Check auger tolerance and tighten if needed. Juice smaller batches.
Foam in Juice
Natural enzymes in wheatgrass cause foaming. Let juice rest 5 minutes before consuming to reduce foam.
Grassy Taste
Dilute with sweeter juices like apple, carrot or celery. Hold wheatgrass juice in mouth briefly before swallowing to avoid aftertaste.
Oxidation of Juice
Drink juice immediately or store in airtight glass bottles filled to the top. Adding lemon juice helps preserve color.
5 Nourishing Wheatgrass Juice Recipes
Liven up straight wheatgrass shots with these delicious juicing recipes:
Green Boost Juice
2 cups spinach
1 cup parsley
1 cup wheatgrass
2 apples
1 lemon
Tropical Wheatgrass Punch
1 cup wheatgrass
1 orange, peeled
1 cup pineapple chunks
1-inch ginger
1/2 lemon
Sweet Green Lift
1 cup wheatgrass
2 green apples
1 cup honeydew melon
1/2 cup mint leaves
Green Grapefruit Juice
1 cup wheatgrass
2 grapefruits, peeled
12 cucumber
Small handful parsley
Green Lemonade
1 cup wheatgrass
3 lemons, peeled
1 lime, peeled
1-inch ginger
2 celery stalks
The Benefits of Regular Wheatgrass Juicing
Making fresh wheatgrass juice part of your regular routine can boost health and vitality in many ways:
Detoxification
Wheatgrass supports liver function and helps eliminate toxins from the body. Antioxidants like chlorophyll protect cells.
Inflammation Reduction
Certain compounds in wheatgrass demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects. Wheatgrass juice decreases inflammatory markers.
Immunity Enhancement
Nutrients like vitamins A, C and E in wheatgrass boost immunity. Wheatgrass stimulates white blood cell production.
Energy Promotion
Wheatgrass quickly elevates energy levels and fights fatigue by enhancing oxygenation. B vitamins help convert food to fuel.
Cardiovascular Protection
Wheatgrass improves blood lipid profiles, lowers blood pressure and cleanses blood. Antioxidants prevent arteriosclerosis.
Blood and Anemia
Chlorophyll closely resembles hemoglobin, helping rebuild blood. Wheatgrass is used to treat anemia and thalassemia.
Gut Health and Immunity
Wheatgrass promotes healthy intestinal flora. Supports immunity by increasing secretory IgA antibodies in the gut.
The dense nutritional content of wheatgrass makes it a superfood for improving wellbeing when consumed fresh regularly.
Optimal Intake of Wheatgrass Juice
The appropriate wheatgrass juice dosage depends on your health goals:
General Wellness
1-2 ounces (2-4 shots) per day provides a solid nutrient boost for healthy individuals.
Therapeutic Purposes
Up to 4-6 ounces (8-12 shots) per day in divided doses for detoxing, anemia and other health conditions.
Illness Recovery
Up to 8 ounces (16 shots) when fighting infections or illness to accelerate healing.
Athletic Performance
2-4 ounces pre or post workout helps counter inflammation, deliver nutrients, speed muscle recovery.
Always start low at 1 ounce doses and gradually increase wheatgrass intake while monitoring digestion. Too much at once can cause nausea in some.
The Bottom Line on Wheatgrass Juicers
When choosing the best juicer for unlocking the immense nutritional value of wheatgrass, look for specialized masticating machines designed for leafy greens. The ideal wheatgrass juicer will cold press at slow speeds with a single auger and powerful motor to efficiently crush fibers and extract juice fully.
Investing in a quality wheatgrass juicer allows you to harness the concentrated antioxidants, vitamins and minerals within wheatgrass for better health. Be sure to enjoy wheatgrass juice promptly for maximum benefit.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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