The story of wheatgrass and other green superfoods stretches back over 80 years, to the pioneering research of Dr. Charles Schnabel and his contemporaries. Remarkably, these early innovators operated from the very same location that Pines International calls home today. We continue to utilize one of their original laboratories and many of their fields north of Lawrence, Kansas.

Unveiling Nature's Peak Nutrition:

• The Jointing Stage: Schnabel's team made a groundbreaking discovery: the nutritional density of wheatgrass and other cereal grasses peaks at a specific time, known as the "jointing stage." This brief window, occurring once a year in early spring after a winter of slow growth, is when the plants are at their most potent.

• Preserving Potency: These scientists developed methods to dry and mill the cereal grass leaves into a powder, which could be mixed with food or consumed in tablet form. To protect against nutrient loss through oxidation, they packaged the powder in amber glass bottles with special metal caps, allowing them to vacuum out the oxygen.

• Cerophyl: The World's First Multivitamin: During the 1930s and 1940s, Schnabel's Cerophyl powder and tablets were used in numerous medical studies, demonstrating their efficacy for various health conditions. Cerophyl was also promoted as a multivitamin, providing the minimum daily requirement of all known vitamins and minerals in just 20 tablets or a tablespoon of powder.

A Legacy of Innovation Continues:

• From Cerophyl to Pines Wheat Grass: Inspired by the work of Dr. Schnabel and the renewed interest in whole foods sparked by Dr. David Reuben's "The Save Your Life Diet" in 1975, the founders of Pines International envisioned a new product: Pines Wheat Grass.

• A Focus on Whole Food Nutrition: We shifted the focus from multivitamins to highlighting wheatgrass as a convenient, economical, and nutrient-dense whole food, rich in essential fiber. We meticulously adhered to Dr. Schnabel's high standards, including the use of amber glass bottles with special metal caps for oxygen removal.

• Community-Driven Growth: Pines International's history is a testament to the power of community. Our early success was fueled by over 100 investors who shared our vision of promoting organic farming, sustainable communities, and combating hunger.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility:

• A 40-Year Commitment: For over four decades, we've prioritized environmental sustainability and food security. We've dedicated one of our fields to Native Prairie restoration and have a proud record of contributing to causes that align with our values.

At Pines International, we honor the legacy of the pioneers who paved the way for our work. We're committed to carrying their torch, continuing to innovate and provide you with the highest quality superfoods that nourish both your body and the planet.