Hemp Seeds

Also known asHemp Hearts · Cannabis sativa seeds · 火麻仁

Name: Hemp seeds, often sold as hemp hearts when hulled (Cannabis sativa). Food-grade hemp is a variety bred to contain only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, and the seeds are legal and widely sold as food in most countries.

Description

Hemp has been grown for thousands of years in Asia and Europe for fibre, food and medicine, and the seeds were a traditional food and animal feed. Modern interest in hemp foods grew from the 1990s, particularly in Canada, which became a major producer.

Hulled hemp seeds are soft, creamy-green and mildly nutty, with a texture between a pine nut and a sesame seed. The seeds contain all of the essential amino acids, which is unusual for a plant food.

Main nutrition value

Hemp seeds are a rich source of protein with all the essential amino acids, healthy unsaturated fats with a favourable omega-6 to omega-3 balance, and minerals such as magnesium, iron and zinc.

How best to be consumed

Hemp seeds are soft and can be eaten raw.

1. Sprinkle hulled seeds over salads, porridge, yoghurt and avocado toast.
2. Blend into smoothies, dressings, pestos and dips.
3. Use in baking, energy balls and granola.
4. Press for hemp milk or hemp seed oil, used cold.
5. Store in the fridge or freezer, since the oils are delicate.

Overconsumption could cause…

Hemp seeds are safe and nutritious, though energy-dense.

1. Weight gain from eating large amounts, since seeds are energy-dense.
2. Digestive discomfort, such as bloating or loose stools, from a lot of fibre and fat if eaten in large amounts.
3. Possible effects on drug tests in rare cases, because of trace THC.
4. Possible interactions with blood-thinning medicines, so ask a doctor if on these.

GroupsSeedsHigh proteinLow sodiumRich in folateRich in ironRich in magnesiumRich in potassiumRich in zinc

Made intoHemp Seed ButterHemp Seed Oil

Related foodsPumpkin SeedsWatermelon SeedsFlaxseeds / LinseedsSesame SeedsPoppy SeedsChia Seeds

Wikipedia — Hemp seed, used for origin, naming and history: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp_seed