Hemp Seeds BY: Kristi Rebbert

Description Hemp seed comes in a few forms: whole, hulled, oil, or as meal. The whole hemp seeds are light brown in color and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. The hulled hemp seed is a very nutritious protein source and is better tasting and more digestible than soybeans. Hemp seed oil is high in essential fatty acids. It can be green or clear. The green is used in food and has a nutty, grassy flavor. The clear is used industrially. Hemp seed meal has 25% protein and a lot of fiber and can be used to brew beer.

History Hemp has been grown for at least the past 12,000 years for textiles, paper, and food. It has been prohibited in the U.S since the 1950s. The Declaration of Independence is drafted on hemp paper. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp and Ben Franklin owned a mill that made hemp paper. Hemp was a required crop in the American Colonies.

Hemp vs. Marijuana Industrial hemp has a THC content of %. Marijuana has a THC content of 3-20%. To get a psychoactive dose from industrial hemp someone would have to smoke about 12 hemp cigarettes in a very short time. Very few people would be able to do this. Industrial hemp and marijuana may look the same to an untrained eye, the trained eye can easily tell the difference.

Hemp Seed Benefits Contain 6 immune boosting essential fatty acids. Has 65% protein, making it a great source for vegetarians and vegans. Improves skin and reduces inflammation. Reduces blood serum cholesterol levels. Helps to reduce fever.

Nutritional Profile 1 tablespoon of shelled hempseeds has 56 calories. Very good source of omega fatty acids. Very good source of protein, iron, vitamin E. Hempseed is considered by doctors and researchers to be one of the most nutritious food sources on the planet.

Shelled Hempseeds Shelled hempseeds (also called hulled) are gaining popularity. Shelled hempseed can be used as snacks, in baking, and on salads, granola, soups, stews, sauces, and dips. They are also used in hummus, cereal, milk, cheese, ice cream, fish, and meat.

Storage Shelled hempseeds need to be kept dry, cool, and away from light. Once opened they should be kept in the refrigerator. An opened container of hempseeds keeps several months in the refrigerator.

Roasting Roasting is a popular way to prepare hempseeds. They can be lightly roasted in a pan on top of the stove. Too much heat will make the seeds dark and bitter tasting.

Recipe Macaroons Ingredients: 2-1/2 cups flaked coconut 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 4 egg whites 1 teaspoon almond extract 1 cup chopped natural almonds 30 candied cherry halves Directions: In a medium mixing bowl, combine coconut, sugar, flour and salt. Add egg whites and almond extract. Stir well and add almonds. Drop mixture from a teaspoon onto lightly greased baking sheets. Place a cherry half on each cookie. Bake at 325 degrees approximately 20 minutes, or until edges of cookies are golden brown. Remove from baking sheets immediately and cool on baking racks. Makes about 30 macaroons. Flour Substitute Add protein powder to pies, cakes, muffins, and breads at a 25% hemp to 75% flour ratio— a great low-carb flour substitute.

Where to Find Hemp seeds can be purchased on the internet. They can also be found at several health food stores. Nutiva is one of the most popular brands. You can find stores that sell their hemp seeds at: locator.php locator.php

Bibliography Chi Hemp Indistries, Inc. (n.d.). Hemp seeds. Retrieved May 1, 2006, from North American Industrial Hemp Council. (1997, October). Hemp facts. Retrieved May 1, 2006, from North American Industrial Hemp Council, Inc. (n.d.). Hemp seed information. Retrieved May 1, 2006, from Nutiva. (2002). Great recipes. Retrieved May 1, 2006, from