Wheatgrass mold on the seed layer is the most discouraging occurrence for any commercial grower. Home growers may not need to be as concerned, but may want to use some of this information. Having had many years experience growing and watching the industry, I have some experience in minimizing molds. It is a never ending learning process and this page will be updated as I continue to learn and pass on your input.

Follow up spray or drench treatments such as vinegar dilutions, peroxide and grapefruit seed oils are minimally if at all effective. In addition, surviving molds are likely to give birth to offspring that are even more resistant to such treatments. Such treatments can also “burn” the grass or roots. These are not recommended.

Prevention is the key, but even with the most stringent controls, some molds are likely to develop. A minimal amount doesn’t hurt anything at all. More dense mold growth can affect the root and shoot development. There are discussions on mold about toxicities that are beyond what we cover here, but it is a fact that too much mold growth will affect the flavor of the juice.

Mold sources are:

Seed

Rinse, Rinse, Rinse, Rinse, Rinse!
After obtaining good seed, seed washing, prior to soaking to sprout, is the next most critical point. Because the method of washing can make a difference, I will go into great detail on the method and reasoning that I use.

Since mold loves to grow on broken open or small bits of damaged wheat, molds that would result from these can be prevented proportionately to the degree which they are removed from the batch. The directions here are for a 5 gallon bucket. You can adjust the routine to whatever amount you are rinsing.

1. Fill the bucket 1/4 full of wheat

2. Add water to almost to top

3. With clean (sanitized) hands, agitate the grain to wash and suspend the grain in the water

4. Stop agitating. As the seed begins to settle to the bottom, quickly pour off the water. Much of the dead seed and small bits will sink slower and be poured off. Do not use a straining lid or screen . A screen will catch the larger broken pieces that you want to get rid of. There may be some loss of good grain by pouring as it settles but it is a minimal and worthwhile sacrifice.

5. Repeat the rinse-pour cycle 4 or even 5 times and until the water is pouring off very clear.

6. Fill the bucket again to soak for 6 -12 hours. When it is time to drain for the sprouting stage, agitate again and pour off in the same manner. Then put on the straining lid and place the bucket in the
inverted position to sprout.
Note: Any rinsing during the next day of the sprouting stage should be very gentle. The outer hull and
emerging root are very tender at this point. Wounding leads to infection.