Recipe + Benefits of Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is becoming increasingly popular as more and more people choose plant-based, dairy-free alternatives to cow’s milk, and with good reason. Hemp milk contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, stress-soothing magnesium, immune-supportive zinc, as well as bone-supportive phosphorus and calcium. (1)
Hemp milk is made by blending water and seeds from the hemp plant. And while hemp seeds are from the same species as cannabis (marijuana), hemp seeds themselves don’t naturally contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the mind-altering ingredient in cannabis. (2)
Incredibly, hemp seeds boast almost as much protein as soybeans. But perhaps one of their most impressive qualities is just how rich they are rich in skin-boosting essential fatty acids. And not only that, the specific kinds of healthy fats they contain, called omega-6 and omega-3, are present in a ratio considered to be optimal for human health (between 2:1 and 3:1). (3)
Hemp is also a fast growing and environmentally friendly crop, making it a sustainable choice for the environment, too. (4)
Hemp milk is easy to make right in your own kitchen and less expensive than purchasing at the grocery store.. With its creamy texture, delicately sweet taste, and simple ingredient list, it just might be your new favorite homemade companion to your morning coffee, tea, or oatmeal.
Hemp Milk
Ingredients
½ cup hulled hemp seeds
4 cups filtered water (for thicker and creamier hemp milk, use 3 cups water instead)
1 date, pit removed (2 for sweeter hemp milk)
Pinch sea salt
½ tsp. vanilla bean powder (optional)
Hearty dash of cinnamon (optional)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend on high for 45 seconds or until well combined.
Usually, the hemp seeds will break down enough during blending so straining isn’t necessary. For a uniform consistency, use cheesecloth or a nut milk bag to strain the blended hemp mixture into a large bowl, pitcher, or wide-mouth mason jar.
Transfer to a sealed container and store up to five days in the refrigerator.
Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2868018/#B6
2. https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-responds-three-gras-notices-hemp-seed-derived-ingredients-use-human-food
3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10681-004-4811-6
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7571072/