Hemp
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Hemp is the common name for plants belonging to the genus Cannabis, although the term is often used to refer only to Cannabis strains cultivated for industrial (non-drug) use.
Hemp is one of the most controversial crops around, mostly because it is a less potent relative of another spiky-leaved plant (you know which one!).
These days however, hemp is everywhere -- maybe even in your lunch! HempNut Butter is a mix of organic peanut butter and ground hempseed (free of any, um, active ingredient).
Why eat hemp? Shelled hempseed tastes like sunflower seeds but boasts an amazing 36 percent omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, plus 31 percent complete protein -- even higher than beef.
Hemp (the seed) may be grown also for food. The seeds are comparable to sunflower seeds, and can be used for baking, like sesame seeds. Products range from cereals to frozen waffles. A few companies produce value added hemp seed items that include the oils of the seed, whole hemp grain (which is sterilized as per international law), hulled hemp seed (the whole seed without the mineral rich outer shell), hemp flour, hemp cake (a by-product of pressing the seed for oil) and hemp protein powder. Hemp is also used in some organic cereals. Hemp seed can also be used to make a non-dairy "milk" somewhat similar to soy and nut milks, as well as non-dairy hemp "ice cream." In North America, hemp seed food products are sold in small volume, typically in health food stores or by mail order.
Hemp has other uses, as well. You can also get Hemp Enriched Shampoo, Hemp Enriched Conditioner and Hemp Plus Hand and Body Lotion.
Hempseed Oil
Unlike flax oil and others, hempseed oil can be used continuously without developing a deficiency or other imbalance of EFAs. Unfortunately the high unsaturated fat content of hemp oil means that it becomes rancid rapidly and necessitates storage in dark coloured bottles or chemical preservation. The high unsaturated fat content also makes the oil unsuitable for frying. This makes hemp oil difficult to transport or store and severely limits its potential on the food market, although some marketing potential exists as a nutritional supplement.
Also available from parent company HempNut: Hempeh Burgers, a "cheese alternative" and shelled hempseed to sprinkle on salads.
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