We’re back with another addition of ingredient of the month :) :) and for October, it’s all about the Ganja (Hemp).

Hemp is nature’s overachiever. It’s fast-growing, high-yield, and can be found in everything including textiles, rope, clothing, shoes, insulation, biofuel, and food. Fun fact for your next date, the Declaration of Independence was drafted on hemp paper!

This multi-talented plant represents the future of sustainable living, and has a rich 10,000-year-old history. It’s one of the oldest cultivated crops on the planet, though fear of its use as a recreational drug stunted hemp’s growth in the U.S. for decades. Thankfully, it’s all the rage and this time it’s here to stay.

First, a little background, hemp seeds come from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa, but eating them won’t get you high. Instead, these protein-packed pretties have a whole host of health benefits, according to Healthline. They may reduce your risk of heart disease, relieve dry skin and eczema, aid digestion, and even help with symptoms of PMS and menopause. Its high iron content can also help correct anemia.

One serving of hemp seeds – about two tablespoons – contains roughly 10 grams of proteins and around 10 grams of omegas. In fact, hemp seeds have more protein than their culinary cousins, chia seeds and flaxseeds. Additionally, hemp is considered a complete protein, making it a more sustainable and animal-friendly alternative to meat-based options.

Not only is hemp good for our bodies, but its eco-friendliness makes it good for the planet, too. Many farmers regard hemp as a wonder-crop because it can grow in a variety of environments and “requires less water, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizer” than corn. It’s resistant to pests and diseases so it’s perfectly suited for organic cultivation. Virtually every part of the plant can be used, significantly reducing potential waste, and its resiliency makes it great for cleaning up soil pollution.

Hemp’s impressive resume doesn’t end there. With the recent announcement of America’s first hemp seed bank in New York, it will also be a valuable resource for research institutions. It’s even possible to create “hempcrete,” a sustainable building material. And that’s not all! Hemp oil, made from hemp seeds, can help relieve pain, boost brain health, and decrease muscle tension. Its use as a textile makes it a great alternative to cotton since hemp requires half as much land and water to thrive.

Is it any wonder that we feature this delightful superfood in our recipes at HoneyFlower Foods? You can find it in our Whole Wheat Fusilli and our seeded cracker in the Potato Cauliflower Curry. You can nosh on these nutritious seeds in our delicious dishes or buy them for the home and sprinkle them into your smoothies, cereal, salads, or yogurt for a healthy boost. The rich nutty flavor makes it a great choice for people with nut allergies – all of the flavor and none of the adverse effects!

With the myriad potential and possibilities of hemp, we totally encourage you to integrate it as an essential ingredient in what you eat and how you live.

Holistically Healthful Hemp