How to Eat Hemp Seeds: Hemp Hearts, Hemp Milk and Easy Recipes

 

The easiest way to eat hemp seeds is to sprinkle a tablespoon or two of hulled seeds, also called hemp hearts, over smoothies, cereal, salads or yogurt; you can also blend them into hemp milk, bake with them or press them into oil. They won't get you high: hemp and marijuana belong to the same species, Cannabis sativa, but they're completely different plants. There are about a dozen hemp varieties grown for food, and all of them contain only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the main psychoactive compound in weed. That means you can eat as much hemp as you like without worrying about a buzz, and it's very unlikely to make you fail a drug test. Even though some regions and countries have legalized industrial hemp farming in recent years, the hemp seeds you find at the supermarket or health food store were most likely grown in Canada or China.

What are hemp seeds like?

Hemp plants produce small, hard seeds. Inside that hard shell are soft, white or light-green kernels packed with essential amino acids, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. When you see a product labeled "hemp seeds" at the store, what you're usually buying is those soft inner kernels, also known as hemp hearts. Hemp hearts can be pressed to make hemp seed oil, and the leftover meal can be turned into hemp protein powder.

How do you eat hemp hearts?

Eating hulled hemp seeds, or hemp hearts, is as easy as sprinkling a tablespoon or two into smoothies or over cereal, salads or yogurt. People who are sensitive to gluten can use hemp seeds instead of breadcrumbs to coat meat or fish. Just like you blend almonds and water to make almond milk, you can do the same with hemp seeds to make hemp milk, a dairy-free alternative for drinks and recipes. Thanks to their nutty flavor, hemp seeds are a great swap for people with nut allergies: toast them dry over low heat to bring out even more flavor.

Hemp seed oil is best used cold, as a finishing oil rather than for cooking or frying, because its delicate omega fatty acids break down with heat, stripping away the nutritional benefits. Use it in salad dressings or drizzle it over pasta or grilled veggies.

Are hemp seeds a drug?

Hemp seeds aren't considered a drug. Hemp is a variety of Cannabis sativa that contains low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in marijuana. Hemp seeds don't contain significant amounts of THC, so they won't get you high or intoxicated. Hemp seeds are nutritious and rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber and other nutrients. Thanks to that nutritional profile, they show up in all kinds of foods, like breads, granola bars, smoothies and dressings.

How do you eat hemp seeds?

People don't usually eat hemp seeds in huge amounts, since the flavor and texture aren't for everyone. Still, there are plenty of ways to work them into your daily diet. So where should the seeds go?

One option is adding hemp seeds to smoothies, yogurt, salads or cereal. You can also use them as an ingredient in baked goods like bread, cookies or granola bars. Worth noting: hemp seeds don't contain anandamide, a compound tied to the human body's endocannabinoid system. They do, however, contain essential fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients. Keep in mind that hemp seeds aren't the same as marijuana seeds. Hemp seeds are legal and don't contain significant levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component in weed.

Hemp seed recipes:

Toss them into smoothies, adding them to the blender with your choice of fruit, veggies and liquid. You can also sprinkle them over salads, yogurt or oatmeal for extra texture and flavor. Another option is baking with them. Mix them into bread, cookies, granola bars and other baked goods for an extra nutrient boost. You can even make your own hemp seed butter by blitzing them in a food processor until creamy. If you love sauces and dressings, hemp seeds make a great ingredient there too. Whip up a hemp pesto by combining them with fresh basil, olive oil, garlic and grated parmesan. Remember, hemp seeds are rich in protein, essential fatty acids and other healthy nutrients. Adding them to your recipes gives you an extra nutritional boost.

The benefits of hemp seeds:

Hemp seeds offer several health benefits thanks to their nutritional profile. Some of them include:

1. Lots of protein: Hemp seeds are an excellent source of plant protein. They contain all the essential amino acids the body needs to build and repair tissue, which makes them a valuable choice for vegetarians and vegans.
2. Essential fatty acids: Hemp seeds are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids in a balanced ratio. These fats are important for heart, brain and nervous system health, as well as overall body function.
3. Vitamins and minerals: Hemp seeds are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. These nutrients play a range of roles in keeping your body healthy.
4. Fiber: Hemp seeds contain a good amount of fiber, which helps keep you regular, makes you feel full and supports healthy digestion.
5. Antioxidants: Hemp seeds contain antioxidant compounds, like vitamin E and certain phytochemicals, that may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.