What is barley grass?
Barley grass, or simply barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a green grass and one of the world’s most popular cereal grains. It has served as a staple food in many cultures for centuries. Research indicates that barley grass has been cultivated by humans since 7,000 BC, and we know that Roman gladiators ate barley for strength and stamina. Green barley leaves have an abundance of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals.
Proper harvesting makes a big difference
With cereal grains, there is a stage in their growth process known as the jointing stage, which is the period during which a cereal grass transitions from a vegetable to a grain. Just prior to this transition is when the nutrient content in barley grass is at its highest. After jointing occurs, the nutritional level in the leaves drops rapidly.
NOW’s barley grass is grown in Kansas soil and harvested just prior to jointing, ensuring optimal nutrient content. Our barley grass is harvested utilizing a direct cutting method, which ensures the leaves never touch the ground. These leaves are then dehydrated in low-temperature dehydrators to preserve their nutritional integrity. Milling is done using a cryogenic method, which pulverizes the barley grass at room temperature or below.
NOW® Barley Grass Products
NOW’s Barley Grass products are all organic. We offer Barley Grass Pure Powder and Barley Grass Juice (powder) both from organic, dehydrated, unjointed leaves. Our barley grass powder is a loose, granular-like powder with no chemicals or additives used during processing.
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