Hemp Hearts

Nope, you won't get high, although you'll probably end up

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a bit healthier

Hemp

It's one of the earliest known plants to be cultivated by humans, with a recorded history of over 12,000 years (!!)

Did you know there's a difference between edible and smoke-able hemp?

The difference is in its use.  Hemp and marijuana both come from the same plant, Cannabis Sativa L.  The term hemp commonly refers to the industrial/commercial use of the cannabis stalk and seed for fabric, food, papers, body care products, and building materials.  This kind is required to have less than 0.03% THC content.

As opposed to marijuana, which refers to the medicinal, recreational, or spiritual use of smoking the cannabis flowers, which contain THC (the substance that produces the high).  A typical range of THC is 7-20% (or more!)

A few fun facts:

Over the years hemp has been used for making all sorts of things, such as paper, clothes, ropes, and oil for lamps

The fiber made from hemp cloth is a major component of the U.S. Constitution and the first U.S. flag

Fabric made from hemp was used in the original pair of Levis

Henry Ford once built a car, the body of which was made largely of hemp plastic (and was as strong as steel)

It’s also considered to be one of the most efficient plants for biofuel as an alternative to gasoline

It's Also Edible

All of hemp's edible forms begin with hulled hemp seeds (aka, hemp hearts).  Of course, they're delicious eaten in this state, although one should consider expanding their horizons

These mighty seeds can be sprinkled on, or mixed into just about anything.  A few ideas?  Granola, yogurt, salads, soups,  smoothies, and sauces

They can be made into butter and used anytime one would reach for the peanut or almond butters (don't be distracted by its rich green color)

Its oil has a pleasant, nutty flavor and makes a great addition to salad dressings

Hemp seeds are great for sprouting to make hemp seed milk, or ground into a meal or flour for use in baking.

Hemp hearts can also be ground into protein powder, and used in snacks like these.

No matter the form, these mighty seeds are considered a whole food that's vegan, and free of gluten, sugar, trans-fats, cholesterol, and THC.  Also, they're generally safe for those unable to tolerate nuts, lactose, or sugar.

What makes them so nutritious?

Protein –  These little seeds are one of highest sources of complete protein in any plant-based food, containing all 20 amino acids, including the nine essential amino acids (that our bodies can only get through food).  This makes it an ideal choice for vegans or vegetarians.  The protein in hemp is also highly digestible and easily absorbed by the body.

Essential Fatty Acids – As with protein .. hemp seeds are one of the plant world's best sources for omega-3 and other essential fatty acids (EFAs) .. being delivered in a perfect 3:1 ratio of omega-6 linoleum acid to omega-3 linolenic acid.  Omega-3 and omega-6 are two of the most important fats for your health because they help fight food cravings, hydrate our skin, helps prevent heart disease and stroke, diabetes, depression, Alzheimer's. arthritis, and so much more

Vitamins and Minerals – Hemp seeds contain vitamins A, B1, B3, B5, D, and E.  They're an excellent source of iron (2-3mg!), phytosterols and trace minerals, dietary fiber, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium

Phytonutrients – They're also a rich source of phytonutrients (the disease-protecting elements found in plants)   These phytonutrients give us the added benefit of protecting our immunity, bloodstream, tissues, cells, skin, organs and mitochondria.

In addition to its health benefits, hemp is also a good choice for the planet.  It's a sustainable crop, takes a low toll on the soil, and can be grown in a variety of environments the world over.

Where to Purchase

Hemp seeds can be found in health food stores, grocery stores, farmers markets, or online retailers

Any great recipe ideas using hemp seeds?  I'd love to hear

Enjoy!

xoxo

ps:  This article is the first in a series of posts that will highlight some of my favorite foods.  I hope you'll enjoy reading as much as I'll enjoy researching and writing.