Hemp seeds are produced from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa L. While hemp is commonly confused with marijuana, as it belongs to the same family, the two plants are quite different. Most notably is the level of THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Hemp contains less than 1% of the psychoactive drug while marijuana contains up to 20% or more.
Hemp Seeds are a gift of nature. They are the most nutritious seed in the world. Hemp Seeds are a complete protein. They have the most concentrated balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins and enzymes combined with a relative absence of sugar, starches and saturated fats. Hemp Seeds are one of nature’s perfect foods – a Super Food. They are exceptionally rich in two essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3).
Hemp seeds can be consumed raw, cooked or roasted. Hemp seed oil is also very healthy, and has been used as a food/medicine in China for at least 3,000 years. Because hemp seeds are one of the best sources of vegetarian and vegan protein, they’re a popular source for plant-based protein powders. Hemp protein powders are just as versatile as the seeds are in their purest form–they can substitute 25 percent of flour in baked good recipes. And when consuming hemp seeds, you can either dry toast them, eat them raw or even bake them into muffins. All you need is a few tablespoons. We’re completely serious when we say this seed can pretty much do it all.
How to Eat Hemp Seeds
Mango and Hemp Seed Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup homemade almond milk
1 cup organic mango
1 teaspoon organic vanilla bean powder
1 scoop protein powder/superfood powder/probiotic powder
2 tablespoons organic hemp seeds
1 tablespoon organic coconut oil
1 tablespoon organic maca powder
1 tablespoon organic lucuma powder
2 organic medjool dates (pitted)
Preparation:
Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Optional: garish with almonds, mulberries, and hemp seeds. Enjoy!
Hemp Seeds Tabbouleh
Ingredients:
1 cup of raw hemp seeds
1 cup of cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber diced
2 spring onions
1 cup chopped parsley
1 cup of chopped mint
2 tablespoons of raisins
4 tablespoons of pomegranate arils
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon of bahārāt spice mix (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
In a bowl dress the hemp seed with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a pinch of himalayan salt. Toss well to coat the seeds. Add the herbs and the vegetables, 2 more tablespoons of olive, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and the optional bahārāt spice mix to the bowl. Toss everything together and rectify seasoning. Garnish with raisins and pomegranate arils and serve.
Hemp Seed Vegan Pesto
Ingredients:
1 packed cup fresh basil leaves, washed
1 tbsp. organic white miso
1 tbsp. raw hemp seeds
1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
1.5 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
sea salt to taste
Combine all pesto ingredients in a food processor and blend to combine for less than 30 seconds. Serve on pasta, quinoa or as a sandwich spread.