Hemp is an astounding plant. People around the world have cultivated it for more than 12,000 years to make fuel, paper, clothing, and medicine. Recently, chefs and culinary enthusiasts have found some new (and delicious!) ways to bring hemp seeds into the kitchen. Hemp oil and hemp hearts are two of the most popular items in hemp cooking right now, and it’s easy to see why.
Ready to make hemp seeds part of your cooking routine? Let’s get started!
Are hemp seeds healthy?
Hemp seeds can provide a major health boost to your diet. They also contain many essential nutrients, including:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- B vitamins
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Omega-6 fats
- Omega-3 fats
- All nine essential acids
These vitamins, minerals, and acids have positive benefits on your health. Research is already showing the potential hemp may have to lessen inflammation for people with irritable bowel syndrome, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.
Omega-6 and omega-3 fats, also known as “good” fats, can help lower blood pressure. Hemp oil may also help lessen the risk of stroke and heart disease by reducing “bad” low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
The vitamins and minerals in hemp may also make you look good! The elements can strengthen your skin, improve eczema and psoriasis symptoms, and make you more resistant to skin infections.
Using hemp oil
Hemp oil is a product of raw hemp seeds. Like the rest of the plant, hemp seeds, and the resulting oil, contains less than 0.3% THC. As with other hemp-derived products, it will not leave you feeling ‘high.’
Hemp oil is often cold-pressed, just like most olive oils. This process ensures the seeds are not heated above 115°F, making it a perfect oil for raw vegan diets.
You can also find hemp oil in most grocery stores beside other cooking oils or in the natural food section. If you have a choice between refined or unrefined hemp oil, go for the unrefined. The refining process can strip the oil of its flavor and nutritional value.
What can I cook with hemp oil?
Hemp oil is dark and has a robust, nutty flavor. It is more intense than other neutral oils used in cooking. It has a low smoke point, meaning it will burn even at low temperatures. Because of this, it is not intended for cooking with high heat. Instead, use hemp oil to enhance your favorite cold dishes or add it to hot dishes after cooking.
Hemp oil is perfect for:
- Drizzling over your favorite quinoa or grain bowl
- Dipping artisan bread into
- Marinating veggies
- Sprucing up salad dressings, including tahini and vinaigrettes
- Tossing in hot or cold pasta dishes
- Flavoring tabbouleh, pesto, and hummus
Hemp oil has a strong flavor and is not ideal for sweet dishes. It may be best to use just a little at first or try blending it with more neutral oils until you get the flavor intensity just right.
How do I store hemp oil?
Be sure to keep your hemp oil in the refrigerator or freezer. Once you open a bottle, it will stay good for up to three months. Check for the “use by” date on the label.
Using hemp Hearts
Hemp hearts are the raw, shelled insides of the hemp seed. They are full of the vitamins and nutrients we discussed above. Hemp hearts also have double the protein of flax and chia seeds and have less carbs. Best of all, they are safe for those with a nut allergy.
Most grocery stores carry hemp seeds in the natural food or bulk sections.
What Can I Cook with Hemp Hearts?
Hemp hearts have a soft texture and mild, nutty flavor. You can add them to almost any dish.
Hemp hearts are also great for:
- Topping your cereal, yogurt, or granola
- Working into bread and other baked goods
- Adding to smoothies
- Sprinkling over hummus, tabbouleh, and dipping oils
- Making hemp heart energy balls
How do I store hemp hearts?
Store your hemp hearts in a sealed container at room temperature for 5-6 months. You can also store them in the refrigerator or freezer for up to a year.
What’s not to love about cooking with hemp?
Humans have known the benefits of hemp for thousands of years. It’s exciting to see innovative uses for this amazing plant take the market by storm. People are starting to love hemp because of all it does.
- It creates a unique, delicious taste and texture
- It’s perfect for raw vegan diets
- It raises the nutrition level of all your favorite dishes
If you want to find wholesale hemp seeds, as well ass learn more ways you can get involved in the hemp industry, contact our knowledgeable and experienced team at Arbor Vita8. We can discuss all the lucrative ways to utilize a hemp crop.
