The wonderful nutritional benefits of hemp foods are finally here for us all to enjoy! Hemp may soon become one of Australia’s new super foods with it a perfect ratio of Omega 3 & 6s for the human body. It also contains high levels of protein (20-30%), 20 amino acids (9 essential ones our bodies don’t make), antioxidants, fibre, essential vitamins and minerals, including zinc, magnesium and phosphorous.

Unlike fish oils it’s also naturally vegan, gluten-free and has 15x times more fat fighting CLA.

If that didn’t already sound good enough, it’s also low-tox as the Hemp crop is fast-growing and produces a shade canopy that reduces weeds and the need for chemicals. The seeds are then pesticide-free when harvested which is much healthier for us up the food chain.

Australia has been the last western country to legalise hemp food in April this year (2017), with these changes coming into effect at the moment. The hemp foods now available are the low THC variety. This means that Hemp is different to other varieties of the Cannabis Sativa plant which are more commonly known as Marijuana and contains no or very low levels of THC the cannabinoid associated with the psychoactive properties of marijuana.

It is also wonderful that Australian farmers who have been able to grow hemp since 1998, are finally allowed to sell the plant’s seeds as a nutritional food source. Hemp crops have a real potential for good economic benefits for the local and export markets in food production.  As well, there are many social and sustainable benefits in supporting this agricultural market.

Hemp Seeds, Oil, Flour & Protein

The main plant products that you can use to super charge your cooking are: Hemp oil, seeds, flour and protein.

Hemp Oil

Is a lovely, nutty flavoured, mild tasting, green coloured oil. Use as an alternative for any recipe with oil. Depending on your taste, you may prefer to use it more in your cooking than as a salad dressing.

Hemp Seeds

Are small, light textured seeds that really don’t have much of a taste. Some say is tastes a bit like a sesame seed or macadamia nut. It can be used raw and easily added to most dishes.

Simple ideas like sprinkling some seeds on top of poached eggs, added into a cake mix or blended in a smoothie for that added nutritional boost.

Seeds contain 10 to 15% fibre, which assists digestion. It’s also a natural appetite suppressant and can reduce food cravings by making you feel more full.

Hemp Flour

Hemp seeds are milled to produce Hemp Flour but this is unfortunately not an easy process to do at home as you need to remove the oil content first.

It is gluten-free and vegan and can be used in a ratio of around 25% to replace flour in a recipe. Also great for brewers in making hemp beer apparently too!

Hemp Protein

Is a raw, superfine, vegan, plant based protein which can be used as an alternative to soy, whey or pea protein.

It’s full of amino acids, which are of higher content and better digestibility than other types allowing the body to use it more effectively. It helps to slow digestion, prevent spikes in blood sugar and enhances sustained energy in the body.

Try out cooking with some hemp products yourself! You can find Hemp foods at your local natural health food store or online at Hemp Foods Australia.