Hemp foods support local farms, food security, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable food systems. They also have a stacked nutritional profile that no other food compares too. This superfood has had a long history or being eaten by humans for over 6000 years! It is making a comeback in 2023 as we see scarcity on supermarket shelves and an unstable mega corporate food system that is destroying the planet and our health. Hemp is here to improve our personal and community well-being in addition to being a delicious sustenance. This is the future of food.
WHY EAT HEMP?
Hempseed based foods are:
~ omega fat rich
~ 100% complete protein
~ endocannabinoid system activating
~ CBD/THC free
~ an anti-inflammatory healing ingredient
~ supportive of regenerative agriculture &
sustainable food systems
HEMP AS A SUPERFOOD
Hemp has a history of being eaten as a food for over 6,000 years. There are 5 ingredients that come from the seed of the plant and are superfoods: hemp hearts (hulled hempseed), cold pressed hempseed oil, hempseed protein flour, cold pressed hemp heart oil, and hemp heart protein flour. Hempseed based oil and protein flour are greener and have a stronger flavor. Hemp heart based ingredients are more neutral in comparison and produce a golden oil and white protein flour.
Hempseed oil, protein flour, and hemp hearts are available at most health food stores and online for ordering. The oil is in the refrigerated supplement section. The protein flour and hearts are often found in the supplement sections as well. Look for American grown or product grown regionally near you to support sustainable food systems and healthy agricultural practices.
HEMP: Sustainable Agricultural Crop
~ Scientifically proven to absorb more CO2 per hectare than any forest or commercial crop
~ Adds carbon and nitrogen back to soil
~ Remediates and cleans soil by pulling out toxins
~ Doesn't need pesticides or herbicides
~ Higher gross $$ per acre compared to other crops
~ Adapts and grows in extreme conditions
~ Supportive of local food systems and regenerative agriculture
~ Creates economic & community wellness
~ Has been utilized for 6,000 + years as a food source (and other uses)
HEMP: Designated as a Climate Smart Commodity by the USDA
The USDA has recognized hemp as a Climate Smart Commodity. This is defined as the following: An agricultural commodity that is produced using farming, ranching or forestry practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon.
HEMP FOODS: In the Marketplace
Plant based & vegan foods are trending and steadily gaining momentum. There is a growing awareness connecting our eating habits with the health of the planet, as well as a general push towards more vegan eating. However, the majority of vegan protein 'meats' and 'dairy' substitutes available in the marketplace are made with genetically modified and/or lab created synthetic ingredients. The Impossible Burger, for example, contains multiple GMO ingredients like soy protein and additives. Its signature ingredient, heme, is made in a lab from GMO soy. Heme is a plant based blood that gives the burger it's meat like flavor. It is a synthetic and ultra processed ingredient that can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and nausea. GMO agriculture destroys ecosystems and is heavy in pesticide/herbicide use. It is controlled by Big Agricultural giants and prone to disturbances. It is the opposite of sustainable and regenerative agriculture. Hemp based protein foods are an option that assist with sustainable food system development and use Organic farming methods that are ecosystem friendly.
Climate change has been a hot topic talked about by Government leaders and organizations such as WEF. Finding protein food sources other than animal based ones is a major topic of discussion. The standard replacement being suggested is GMO plant based meats, like the Impossible burger, and insects such as crickets and meal worms. Insect based protein is currently being tested in Europe in the form of burgers and other 'meat' like foods. The argument for eating insects is that they grow quickly, use less land/water, increase food security, and provide a sustainable food source for growing populations. However, hemp based protein foods do all of this too!
Hemp protein flour and hemp hearts can be made into wholesome plant based burgers, chicken nuggets, meats, milks, and cheeses. These protein alternatives can be created regionally using locally grown hemp hearts. It is a protein source that supports healthy food systems that aren't prone to failure like the Big Ag model currently used. It promotes food security within communities.
HEMP: The future of food?
The future of food embraces food security, strong regional food systems, and regenerative agriculture. It needs to be ecosystem friendly and supportive of community wellness. Hemp, as a food, is all of these things and more.