Distinguishing Edible Grasses
The grass family, Poaceae, is vast and diverse, and many of its members are crucial to the human diet, not as blades of grass, but as grains. Wheat, rice, oats, barley, and corn are all types of grass, and their seeds (cereals) are dietary staples across the globe. However, the green blades of grass, like those in your lawn, are a different story. Our digestive system lacks the necessary enzymes, like cellulase, to break down the high cellulose content, rendering the nutritional value minimal. Moreover, the abrasive silica content in grass blades can damage tooth enamel over time.
The Superfoods: Wheatgrass and Barley Grass
When people discuss edible grasses, they are often referring to the 'superfoods' wheatgrass and barley grass. These are the young shoots of cereal plants, harvested early for maximum nutritional potency.
Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum)
Wheatgrass is a popular health food known for its detoxifying properties and is often consumed as a juice or powder.
- Rich in Nutrients: It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, iron, magnesium, and calcium.
- High Chlorophyll Content: This gives wheatgrass its vibrant green color and is linked to detoxification and anti-inflammatory properties.
- High Protein: Some studies show young grass can have a surprisingly high protein content.
Barley Grass (Hordeum vulgare)
Barley grass is harvested from young barley plants and is celebrated for its digestive benefits.
- High in Fiber: Contains more dietary fiber than wheatgrass, which is beneficial for gut health.
- Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD), which protects cells from damage.
- Vitamins and Minerals: A potent source of vitamins K and B12, and minerals like potassium and calcium.
Cautions with Wild and Lawn Grass
While some wild grasses are technically edible, foraging for them is risky and not recommended for the inexperienced. Not all wild grasses are safe, and even safe ones offer minimal nutrition for the effort involved. The potential risks far outweigh any potential benefits.
Identifying Edible Wild Grasses
Even for the seasoned forager, positive identification is key. Wild edible grasses may include certain types of Bent, Brome, or Timothy grass. However, without expert knowledge, misidentification is a real danger. The Universal Edibility Test exists for survival situations but is a slow, multi-stage process and not a foolproof method for casual foraging.
The Risks of Contamination
Lawn grass and some wild grasses pose significant risks from contaminants:
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Many residential lawns are treated with chemicals that are toxic to humans.
- Animal Waste: Grass can be contaminated with bacteria and parasites from animal feces.
- Toxic Fungi: Wild grasses can be infected with ergot, a fungus that produces potent toxins. Ergot poisoning has historically caused severe illness and death.
- Naturally Occurring Toxins: Some grasses, particularly certain sorghums, can accumulate toxic levels of cyanide or nitrate under specific environmental conditions.
How to Consume Edible Grass Safely
For wheatgrass and barley grass, the key is preparation to make nutrients accessible and avoid indigestible fiber. These superfoods are typically consumed in processed forms, such as juices, powders, or supplements, which concentrate the nutrients and remove the fibrous cellulose that humans cannot digest.
For juicing at home:
- Harvest the young shoots, typically 7-10 days after sprouting.
- Run the blades through a slow juicer to extract the nutrient-dense liquid.
- Consume the juice fresh to get the full benefits of enzymes and vitamins.
For using powders:
- Purchase high-quality, organic powders from a trusted retailer.
- Mix the powder into water, smoothies, or other drinks.
Comparison of Common and Superfood Grasses
| Feature | Wheatgrass | Barley Grass | Common Lawn Grass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edible Part | Young leaves, juiced or powdered | Young leaves, juiced or powdered | Not recommended for consumption |
| Nutritional Value | High in protein, chlorophyll, vitamins C and E | Higher in fiber, vitamins K and B12, potassium | Negligible for humans; indigestible cellulose |
| Digestibility | Highly digestible in juice form; fiber is removed | Highly digestible in juice form; fiber is removed | Very low; humans lack the necessary enzymes |
| Fiber Content | Moderate (removed during juicing) | High (removed during juicing) | Very high, indigestible, can cause blockages |
| Primary Use | Superfood supplement, detoxification | Superfood supplement, digestive health | Ornamental, grazing for herbivores |
| Primary Risks | Mild digestive upset when starting; cross-contamination for gluten-sensitive individuals | High vitamin K can interfere with blood thinners; cross-contamination risk for celiac disease | Pesticide/herbicide poisoning, fungal toxins, dental abrasion |
| Safety for Humans | Very safe when prepared properly | Very safe when prepared properly | Not safe; toxic contamination risk is high |
Conclusion
While the concept of eating grass might evoke images of grazing animals, the reality for humans is far more nuanced. Many grasses are staples in our diets as grains, and specialized young shoots like wheatgrass and barley grass offer concentrated nutrition when prepared correctly. However, common lawn grass and most unidentified wild grasses should be avoided due to their indigestible nature, abrasive silica content, and high risk of contamination from pesticides or toxic fungi. A balanced approach to nutrition involves consuming a diverse range of plant-based foods, and while certain grasses can be a valuable part of that, foraging random wild grass is a dangerous and misguided strategy. When in doubt, stick to known, cultivated sources and avoid grazing on your lawn.
For more information on wild edible plants and general foraging guidelines, you can consult resources from reliable organizations like the Wilderness Awareness School.
