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Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) is a very versatile plant and most parts of the plant can be used. The plant is grown in various parts of the world as a "soil conditioner" as its root system brings much needed nutrients to the upper layers of the soil. It is also a nitrogen fixer in the soil which means it can also be used as a "green" crop to be plowed in in preparation for other crops.

The Hemp Seeds are pressed to obtain oil, crushed to create flour or eaten as a nut substitute. The various grades of this EFA rich oil can be used as a nutritional supplement, in aromatherapy, in the manufacture of body care products and cosmetics, as a lubricant, in the manufacture of alkyd resins etc.   The Hemp Cake (which is the remains of the seeds once it has been through the oil press) can be used as animal feed, in plant fertilizer, in bait and much more.

The Hemp Hurds (which is the chaff which remains once the stalk of the plant has been broken open (decorticated) can be used in building and animal bedding.

The various grades of Hemp Fibre (which is one of the layers of the stalk) can be used for the manufacture of carpets, rope, canvas and material.

The various uses of the Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) plant is briefly discussed on these pages :

• Food

• Oil

• Nutraceutical

• Cosmetic

• Culinary

• Angling / Fishing

• Industrial

• Veterinary

• Fibre & Hurds

Dry Foods Protein Hemp seed is unique in the vegetable kingdom. Its profile of proteins and fats are the most complete and ideal for human nutrition. No other plant source, not even soybean, compares to Hemp in its range and balance of nutritional benefits, making Hemp the world’s premier food source. Hemp seeds have fibre, protein and essential fatty acids (EFAs). You can use the oil for salads and cooking and the meal to make flour for cookies, pizza, pasta, bread and pastries. You can even make veggie burgers, buns and cheese all from the Hemp seed! Serious beer lovers think Hemp based beer and ale tastes great and even just roasted seeds with salt are a tasty and nutritious alternative to fried potato chips.

Essential fatty acids are important compounds we must eat because our bodies do not manufacture them. Hemp is the earth’s best source of EFAs not only because it has the highest total EFAs of any seed oil (80%) but also because the ratio of EFAs is considered the optimum balance for human health! EFAs lower blood pressure, help organ muscles to contract and regulate stomach acid and body temperature. EFAs are also necessary for the normal functioning of the reproductive system, hormone regulation and for breaking up cholesterol deposits in the arteries. A body deficient in EFAs causes changes in cell structure that can result in brittle and dull hair, nail problems, dandruff, allergies and dermatitis. In fact, most diseases associated with aging from arthritis to liver spots on the skin, are results of EFA deficiencies. Isn’t it interesting that Hemp seed also served as a primary food source during times of famine in China, Europe and Australia as recently as World War II? Hemp is a viable element in the fight against world hunger and is healthy for us all.

Shelled/Hulled Hempseeds

These scrumptious nuts are rapidly gaining popularity, thanks to their versatility and the absence of shells. They look like sesame seeds and taste like sunflower seeds. Shelled seeds (hulled seeds) still contain small bits of hull and a few immature seeds. This unwanted content will be further reduced as larger seeds and improved technologies are developed. Uses: Shelled Hempseeds can be used as snacks (bars and nutballs), for baking (bread, cakes and cookies), sprinkled on salads or granola and added to soups, stews, sauces and dips.

Storage: Shelled Hempseeds can easily turn rancid if they are not properly stored. Keep them dry, cool and away from light. Once opened, they are best kept in the refrigerator. An opened container of Shelled Hempseeds in the refrigerator keeps several months.

Roasting: Shelled Hempseeds are especially delicious when lightly and carefully roasted in a pan on top of the stove. Careful with the heat: too much will make the seeds dark and bitter.

Nut Butter

Uses: Nut butter can be used as a butter substitute on breads, to make dips and spreads, or to add body to soups and sauces. The ground, shelled seeds (no oil added) are also quite versatile for cooking. Preparation: Use either raw or lightly toasted shelled seed. Grind them in a coffee grinder or blender. The resulting fat-rich flour needs added oil to make it spreadable, whereas a Champion juicer produces a nut butter that needs no oil. Commercially made Hemp butter is also available for purchase. Storage: Store your nut butter in a closed jar in the refrigerator. Unless routinely left open on the breakfast table, it will keep for a few months. . . if it lasts that long!

 Use

1. Flour for baking purposes as an alternative wheat free product

2. “Nuts” as an alternative nut free snack

3. Energy / Health Bars

 Oil

There are various grades of oil available i.e. :

• Organically Grown, Cold-Pressed

• Standard Grown, Cold-Pressed

• Standard Grown, Chemically Extracted etc.

The different grades are used in different applications. The Organically Grown, Cold-Pressed oil is used as a Nutritional oil as it is high in EFA's. This oil is also used as a barrier and carrier oil and in cosmetic and body products.

The Standard oil, if freshly pressed can also be used in cosmetics and soaps where the processes used could compromise the oils properties and the full benefits are therefore not realised.

This oil, when older is also used, amongst other uses, in the manufacture of resins and coatings.

Nutriceutical

The potential contribution of the Hemp seed to human nutrition is gaining wide recognition. Like no other plant resource, the Hemp seed has both a high content of easily digestible, complete protein and a rich endowment of oil providing the most favourable ratio of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) required for proper human nutrition. In addition, the Hemp seed provides a significant contribution of gamma-linolenic acid which has potential therapeutic efficacy.

Cosmetic

Hemp oil is known as "Nature's Most Perfectly Balanced Oil." It contains 81% of the hard to find polyunsaturated Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). Aside from their unmatched nutritional value, these oils have the ability to enter directly into the lipid layers of dry skin cells and replenish the oils missing due to sun exposure, poor nutrition or other abuse. THE EFAs, vitamins and enzymes are easily absorbed by the skin and contribute moisturizing qualities to cosmetics and soap. Saturated oils, on the other hand, only form a temporary barrier on the skin that slows transpiration from the body but does nothing for the skin cells themselves. Dermatologists claim that EFAs replenish dry skin, preventing cell loss and causing younger looking skin. Hemp seed oil has been used to soothe and heal dry skin and minor burns.

Culinary

 

Hemp seed oil has an exceptional nutty flavour. You can use it on salads, baked potatoes, or vegetables. Layer it into hummus, marinates, tabouli and many other recipes.

 

In order to retain the nutritional qualities of the oil, do not cook or heat the oil.

See a few recipes in our online Hemp Recipe book. (Small, but contains some really delicious recipes).

Angling / Fishing

It is well known, that certain flavourings attract different species of fish. For example, roach respond well to aniseed, turmeric and Hemp Seed Oil. Carp like a bit of Hemp seed meal and Hemp oil mixed in with the bait as it clouds the water nicely as it breaks up.

Industrial

Industrial grade Hemp oil comes from the same source as does Hempons' nutriceutical grade oil. It is pressed in exactly the same manner. The only difference is the age. Once nutriceutical grade is a couple of weeks old and/or the EFA content has been compromised, it is considered technical/industrial grade. This oil is best for candle-making, varnishes, paints, lubricants, inks, lacquer, sealants, etc. Paint and lacquer manufacturers are especially interested in Hemp oil's ability to act as a good drying agent. The possibilities seem to be endless when it comes to using Hemp seed oil as an ingredient in your creations. Experiment and explore! Let us know what you come up with.

Veterinary

There is increasing scientific evidence that omega 3 and omega 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids also play important roles in animals with conditions such as pruritic skin disease, atopic dermatitis, allergies, degenerative joint disease, neoplasia, thromboembolic disease and eosinophilic granuloma complex.

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This Page was last updated on : 2012-01-02