Sabzee: Persian Tradition Brought To Life

Nowruz, Persian New Year, is just around the corner! And the coming of the new year brings about many changes in my house, including the cultivation of sabzee: wheat grass. Nowruz is celebrated in Iran and across the Middle East every year around the time of the spring equinox. During this time of natural rebirth, Iranians take time to self reflect and celebrate the cycle of life. One symbolic way of doing this is by growing sabzee.

It takes a few weeks to grow a thick "cake" of sabzee from seed to grass. First, one must obtain the wheat germ (my grandmother supplies ours from a special source...). The secret to growing a healthy sabzee is to soak the wheat germ seeds in water for 24 hours. Next lay the seeds out on plates or trays covered in paper towels. Place the plates in a sunny area. It is important to water the sabzee a little bit daily. Before long, the first seeds will begin to sprout shoots!

The sabzee will last for a few weeks and after that it will yellow before dying. One of the most important days of the new year in Iran is Sizdah Bedar. This year it is on April 2nd! Sizdah Bedar occurs on the thirteenth day of Nowruz, signifying the end of the new year. It is also a national holiday.

Sabzee plays a central role in celebrating Sizdah Bedar. On this day, families will gather all the sabzee they have grown for the past two or three weeks and go to a favorite lake, river, or body of water. Then, each person will make a wish before tossing the cake of thick wheat grass into the water to rejoin nature. This action is symbolic of the cycle of life and is fun for children and adults alike.

Celebrate Norwuz by growing your sabzee or admiring nature in bloom all around you this spring!

Sabzee Gallery: