Nourishing nibbles: Cooking with hemp seeds
What's the story
Hemp seeds, harvested from the Cannabis sativa plant, are the latest superfood to hit the health scene.
These small but mighty seeds are loaded with essential fatty acids, proteins, and minerals.
Adding hemp seeds to your diet is a fantastic way to supercharge your nutrition.
We have compiled five fun and creative ways to use hemp seeds in your kitchen, adding both flavor and a nutritional punch to your meals.
Salad sprinkle
Sprinkle on salads for a nutty crunch
One of the easiest ways to enjoy hemp seeds is by adding them to your salads.
Simply sprinkle a tablespoon of these nutty seeds over your greens before serving.
They not only add a delicious crunch but also significantly increase the protein content of your salad.
Hemp seeds boast a 25% protein content, which is notably higher than many other plant-based sources.
Smoothie boost
Boost your smoothies with a protein punch
Smoothie lovers, listen up! By simply adding two tablespoons of hemp seeds, you can supercharge your smoothie with a boost of protein.
Hemp seeds practically melt into your smoothie, adding a protein punch without changing the flavor you love.
This is especially great for vegetarians and vegans who need that plant power protein!
Milk alternative
Create a dairy-free hemp seed milk
Hemp seed milk is a fantastic dairy-free substitute for regular milk, and it's super easy to whip up a batch at home.
Just blend one cup of hemp seeds with four cups of water until everything's nice and smooth.
Strain it all through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to get rid of any leftover bits.
Feel free to sweeten things up with a little honey or vanilla extract. Delicious!
Baking enrichment
Enrich baked goods for added nutrition
Adding hemp seeds to your favorite baked goods like breads, muffins, and cookies not only gives them a little crunch but also packs them with extra nutrition.
Substituting up to 25% of flour in recipes with ground hemp seeds boosts the beneficial omega-3 fatty acid content and introduces additional fiber to your baked treats, all without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Pesto creation
Homemade hemp seed pesto for pasta dishes
For a nutritious and nutty twist on traditional pesto, replace pine nuts with hemp seeds.
Simply blend two cups of basil leaves, two garlic cloves, half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese, one cup of olive oil, and half a cup of hemp seeds until smooth.
This healthy and versatile sauce is perfect for pasta, sandwiches, and wraps.