Make Wheatgrass Root Mats

Inspired by the work of the artist Zena Holloway (https://www.instagram.com/root.full) I wanted to try my shot at creating wheatgrass root mats. Zena Holloway creates breathtaking experimental garments and sculptures out of them.

NOTE: This instructable will focus solely on the harvesting and drying and further processing of wheatgrass root mats. For a great instructable on how to grow wheatgrass hydroponically, which is highly recommended for this process, I recommend following this one: www.instructables.com/Hydroponic-Microgreens-Year-Round-Indoor-Garden

Tools/Equipment:

• Scissors
• Plate
• Parchment paper
• Bowl (optional)
• Oven (optional)
• Wheatgrass

After growing your wheatgrass for about 14 days, it is time to harvest the wheatgrass roots. If you followed the instructable I mentioned in the introduction, try to cut along the mesh screen separating the seeds and the roots carefully, so as to not puncture the mesh.

I forewent the mesh in order to grow larger root mats, which is possible. In that case, cut very carefully along the border between the roots and the seeds. Try not to cut into the seeds, as they will glue your scissors together if you're not careful.

This step is optional, but I found more and more that washing the fresh root mats gives a better end result.

NOTE: If you choose to dry the root mats without an oven, this step is highly recommended, as it may lead to mould otherwise.

If you chose to wash the root mats, fill a bowl with cold water, and gently place the fresh root mats into the bowl. At this stage the root mats are very delicate, so be gentle whilst carefully dunking them in and out.

At this point, there are two options to dry the root mats, and each of them will come to a slightly different end result.

Option 1: Drying the root mats in an oven (left)

For beginners, I recommend this option, as the chances of something going wrong are lower. However, the root mats you will be getting out of this method are not as flexible and slightly browner that the other option.

Option 2: Let them dry out over time (right)

This option bears the risk that whilst the root mats dry, they might develop mould, or that flies might lay their eggs in there. Flies and other insects love fresh wheatgrass roots as they are not only nutritious for them but also provide the ideal place to nest and lay eggs, but root mats dried this way will be lighter in colour and be way more flexible. As soon as the root mats have dried out, insects will no longer be interested in them.

Set you oven to 60 C, convection if possible. Lay the root mats on some parchment paper and place it into the oven on the middle or high rack. Leave the oven door slightly ajar so as to let the moisture out. Bake for 1 hour. Check frequently to avoid accidents. The root mats are done when they are golden in colour and no longer moist.

Lay out a plate with some parchment paper and place the root mats atop the parchment paper. If you don't do that, the roots will stick to the plate and you run the risk of ripping them apart. Let plate next to a sunny window for 2 to 3 days.

The root mats are done when they have a slight yellow tint and are dry to the touch.

Depending on how you grow the wheatgrass, you will get thicker or thinner root mats. Experiment around with different ways and containers to grow them in. Thick root mats have an otherworldly glow when placed against a light source, but thinner ones look better on their own. You can sow and dye to roots so play around and see what you come up with.

New material offers new possibilities and I can't wait to see what people use this for!