I had purchased some hemp seeds a few months ago when I was watching one of Ani Phyo’s Raw Food Kitchen videos, but since I am already adding hemp protein I feel that I do not need them in my morning protein shake. I also made the mistake by ordering hemp seeds still in their shells and they also were not raw but heated. They are so tiny, I could not possibly shell them myself. I needed a use for them and found it, a hemp milk recipe! I am sure you can make the same recipe with raw hemp seeds, too.
Hemp Nutritional Information
The hemp seed I am referring to is not from the mind-altering hemp plant but is related to it. You will find that hemp is something you could survive on if you had no other food. The hulled (shell removed) form is made up of 30 – 35% hemp oil. This oil is rich in Omega 3 (higher than walnuts), Omega 6 and essential fatty acids, to name of few. The shell of the hemp seed is made up of 25% digestible protein.
Compared to egg, meat, soy or milk its amino acid are greater in number. Flaxseed, when consumed continuously may cause a nutritional deficiency or other imbalance, but this is not the case with hemp oil. Hemp contains plenty of calcium and iron, as well. Whole hemp seeds are an excellent source of phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese. It is also free of gluten.
Hemp is sold as hulled seeds, whole seeds, protein powder with fiber (from the plant itself), plain protein powder and as an organic oil. I purchase my protein powder through vitacost.com for as low as $7.98; and my whole seeds through www.nutsonline.com.
The oil itself has a low smoke point, which means it should not be heated for cooking.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup hemp seeds (with or without shells)
- 4 cups filtered water
Instructions:
- Place hemp seeds that still have their shells in a food processor and continuously blend until it forms a moist meal.
- Add a few ounces of filtered water until well blended and creamy.
- Add mixture into a blender if your food processor cannot withstand 4-5 cups of water; and blend thoroughly.
- Pour into a pitcher with a lid, strain shells as you pour.
Nutritional Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp#Nutrition