How many times have you heard us say that hemp is a wonderful plant?
Probably too many to count. One of the things that hemp is most renowned for is its food products, indeed in reality a lot of people only know about hemp because they see its advertising all over the health food section of their local supermarket. So what really are the best hemp food products? Are the health benefits of hemp legit, or are they myths? This blog will unpack the hemp foody’s heaven, diving into our top four hemp food and drink products. Enjoy the read and remember to comment - do you agree? Have any suggestions? What are your favourite hemp foods?
What can I use Hemp Seed Oil For?
This is a classic. One of the original hemp products, this was first discovered in ancient China, where it was coveted for its nutritional value. Thankfully, today hemp seed oil remains in high demand at any quality grocer worth their salt. Hemp Seed oil has a rich, delightful nutty flavour and pairs beautifully on some toast as a butter alternative, or as a complement to your homemade nut spreads. It also goes well in a lovely salad dressing or dip. Finally, cosmetic companies have been concocting with hemp seed oil for generations, and in doing so, they’ve managed to leverage the chemical properties of this oil, for example how it balances your skin’s sebum production (a secreted oil) to help reduce acne outbursts.
Is hemp Seed Oil Bad for you?
Hemp seed oil does not love frying pans. In fact, it has one of the lower smoke points of alternative oils (165 degrees). Instead, we would recommend that you look at coconut oil or grape seed, or even the traditional olive oil for frying (just stay away from nasty palm oil please).
Have you tried Hemp Beer?
Australians are are strange bunch. When the laws prohibiting the consumption of hemp shifted in 2018, an Australian brewing company Doss Blockos decided to celebrate by making a hemp-flavoured beer - The Hempire, it was called. There were two reasons for this hemp-inspired burst of creativity. Reason one, “because we can” and reason two, “because hemp delivers a taste profile no one has ever experienced before.” These are the words of co-owner Benjamin Carins, who describes the hemp beer as possessing “a delicate subtle nuttiness and a little smokiness.” Sounds pretty interesting.
Where can we drink this beer?
It’s currently only served on tap in select Melbourne breweries, so it might take a bit of effort to actually try this famous beer.
Are Hemp Seeds good for you?
This might seem a little boring, but why ignore the true classic of the culinary hemp world. The hemp seed is where it all began, once again back in ancient China. What’s more, hemp seeds are jam-packed full of health benefits. They are high in protein and are a complete protein (containing all 9 amino acids). They can therefore help help building muscle (when taken in large quantities). They have about 10 grams of protein per 30 gram serve. They are also a great source of fiber, and can encourage your digestive system to work well and can stabilise blood sugar levels, which helps with sleep quality and can even positively benefit your sex life! Hemp seeds also have heaps of vitamins and minerals that do great things for the body. Vitamin E, phosphorous, potassium and niacin to name a few. These all positively impact important aspects of your body’s system, such as your heart, brain and immune health.
Are hemp Seeds bad for you?
Hemp seeds don’t really have any cons, the only potential problem being that if you eat excessive amounts, it might result in gastric discomfort (stomach pains or bloating) due to the fiber content. But ultimately this is very rare, and can occur through excessive consumption of nearly all foods. Here at Jo Dope, we love them.
Hemp Seed Ice Cream
Now this may be one of the most innovative hemp food products going around. Made through a healthy combination of hemp milk, hemp hearts and sugar (among a few other ingredients), the creamy texture and distinct smooth nuttiness of hemp seed ice cream has taken the dairy free gelato world by storm. Not only is it free from gluten and dairy, but it carries with it many of the aforementioned benefits of hemp seeds, such as the omega 3s, and the essential minerals. It really seems like a perfect ice cream alternative.
Is too much hemp ice cream bad for you?
Obviously, it’s a desert and should not be consumed excessively (as tempting as it may be!). It may be largely healthy, but it still contains sugar, and this is one of the most addictive and harmful products in the world for humans. So consume it, but in moderation!
Anyway, that brings us to the end of today’s information session on hemp foods. We are Jo Dope, the hemp experts and hemp enthusiasts, but our passion for hemp actually lies outside of the food domain. If you’d like to see how we are utilising this marvellous plant, feel free to check out our website here.
Thanks, and much love as always,
The Jo Dope team