Seeds for Health

When one hears the word hemp, one usually thinks of something illegal (marijuana) or the fabric that makes potato sack bags. 

Though its name might be a bit misleading, hemp milk is a perfectly legal, not to mention a healthy alternative for everyone to drink. Produced from the seeds of the hemp plant, this milk has only begun to be sold in the United States within the past few years.

One concern that people have about hemp milk is that it might contain some of the chemical THC which is found in marijuana.
Rest assured that this ingredient is not present or associated with hemp milk.

All hemp seeds are imported since it’s currently not legal to grow the hemp plant in the US. Some hemp milk producers have to rely on obtaining hemp seeds from farmers in Canada or Europe, where the growth of hemp plants for oil or milk is perfectly legal.

Hemp Seed Milk

Organic hemp milk is also a great alternative to debatable cow milk. It is lactose free and contains no antibiotics or hormones. Even more importantly it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids, protein, calcium and other essential minerals and vitamins. Best of all it has no cholesterol and actually tastes deliciously nutty. You can buy it at your health food store for a nominal price, but why bother when you can make it at home for pennies. 

Here’s my recipe: 

Dr. Brand's Recipe for Hemp Milk

Ingredients:

·         1 cup hemp seeds (shelled)

·         5-6 cups of purified water

·         Natural Sweetener, such as Grade B maple syrup or Raw Honey

·         Vanilla extract or powder to taste

·         Pinch of salt

Directions:

1.      Let seeds soak in enough water to cover for at least an hour or overnight in the refrigerator.

2.      Combine the soaked hemp seeds in a blender with the purified water. Use more water to achieve a skim milk consistency and less water to produce a heavier cream consistency of the milk.

3.      Turn blender on high for 2-3 minutes, or until you reach your desired consistency. The water will start to look milky.

4.      After blending you can sweeten the milk by adding the natural sweetener, with the vanilla and pinch of salt.

5.      You can drink it thick or strain it through cheese cloth or sieve to remove the large seed particles.

The seed pulp can then be used as an excellent body scrub or facial mask. I usually just add a little more sweetener to it with raw cacao powder. It tastes like thick lumpy chocolate pudding. Absolutely delicious, healthy and filling.

It will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator in a sealed glass container. Shake well before each use. You can use it as a base for smoothies or drink it straight.

Organic hemp milk contains no sugar, no cholesterol, and is free of soy and gluten. For many people, these factors make it an obvious choice for an abundant source of vital nutrients. The essential fatty acids, vitamins & nutrients that are contained in organic hemp milk provide a wide variety of health benefits.

Organic shelled hemp seeds can be purchased online. I usually buy in bulk and keep the bag of seeds airtight and refrigerated.

Organic hemp milk may very well be the best alternative for those of you who either do not like cow milk, suffer from lactose intolerance, or are vegetarians. While the taste of it may be something that you have to adjust to, you might just find that you actually prefer it to any of the other milk products you have tried.

Bon appétit!

 

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