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Hemp (Cannabis Sativa) is a very versatile plant and most parts of the plant can be used.

Roots

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 ploughed in in preparation for other crops.

Stalk

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.

Seeds

The Hemp Seeds are pressed to obtain oil, crushed to create flour and protein powder 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, processed into protein powder and/or flour, turned into plant fertilizer, in bait and much more.

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).

Hemp Protein contains all 20 known Amino Acids, including the 9 Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) our bodies cannot produce. Proteins are considered complete when they contain all 9 Amino Acids in a sufficient quantity and ratio to meet the body’s needs.

Hemp Protein is free of Tryspin inhibitors that block Protein absorption and oligosaccharides which cause stomach upset and gas.

Approximately 65% of the Protein in Hemp Seed is made up of the globulin Protein Edestin which is found only in Hemp Seed. Edestin aids digestion, is relatively phosphorus-free and is considered the backbone of the cell’s DNA. The other third of Hemp Seed Protein is Albumin, another high quality globulin Protein similar to that found in Egg Whites.

What makes this supplement even more amazing, Hemp Protein is high in Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). BCAAs are the Essential Amino Acids Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine. The combination of these three amino acids makes up approximately 1/3 of skeletal muscle tissue in the human body. BCAAs play a very important role in protein synthesis (the production of proteins in cells from amino acids to build muscle). BCAAs are absorbed directly into the muscle tissues and are metabolized quickly.

Shelled / Hulled Hemp Seeds / Hemp Hearts

These scrumptious nuts are rapidly gaining popularity, thanks to their versatility and the absence of shells. They look like sesame seeds and taste like a mixture between sunflower seeds and pine kernels. Shelled/Hulled seeds still contain small bits of the outer chlorophyll rich cambium, giving the seeds a green flecked appearance.

Shelled Hemp seeds can be used as snacks (bars and nutballs), in baking, sprinkled over salads or in granola and added to soups, stews, sauces and dips.

Shelled Hemp seeds can easily turn rancid if they are not properly stored due to their high oil content. They should be stored in a cool, dry environment away from light. Once opened, they are best kept in the refrigerator. An opened container of Shelled Hempseeds in the refrigerator keeps several months.

Hemp Seed 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.

Nutritional

You can use the oil over salads. The oil is high in Essential Fatty Acids that are essential for health.

Essential fatty acids are important compounds we must ingest 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 e.g. 3:1 Omega 6 to Omega 3. (Read further on EFAs elsewhere in the site).

Cosmetic

Aside from Hemp Seed Oi’ls unmatched nutritional value, this oils has 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 with or heat the oil.

See how to incorporate Hemp into your diet by looking through Hemptons 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 Hemptons’ nutriceutical grade oil. It is pressed in exactly the same manner. The only difference is the age. Once nutriceutical grade is a couple of months 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.

Fibre

Hemp fibre is one of the strongest and most durable of all natural textile fibers. Products made from Hemp will outlast their competition by many years. Not only is Hemp strong, but it also holds its shape, stretching less than any other natural fiber. This prevents Hemp garments from stretching out or becoming distorted with use. Hemp may be known for its durability, but its comfort and style are second to none. The more Hemp is used, the softer it gets. Hemp doesn’t wear out, it wears in. Hemp is also naturally resistant to mould and ultraviolet light.

Due to the porous nature of the fibre, Hemp is more water absorbent and will dye and retain its colour better than any fabric including cotton. This porous nature allows Hemp to “breathe,” so that it is cool in warm weather. Furthermore, air which is trapped in the fibres is warmed by the body, making Hemp garments naturally warm in cooler weather.

As a fabric, Hemp provides all the warmth and softness of a natural textile but with a superior durability seldom found in other materials. Hemp is extremely versatile and can be used for countless products such as apparel, accessories, shoes, furniture and home furnishings.

Apparel made from Hemp incorporates all the beneficial qualities and will likely last longer and withstand harsh conditions. Hemp blended with other fibres easily incorporates the desirable qualities of both textiles. The soft elasticity of cotton or the smooth texture of silk combined with the natural strength of Hemp creates a whole new genre of fashion design.

The possibilities for Hemp fabrics are immense. It is likely that they will eventually supersede cotton, linen and polyester in numerous areas. With so many uses and the potential to be produced cheaply, Hemp textiles are the wave of the future!

Hurd

The Hemp stalks are dried and broken down into two parts: thread-like fibres called the “bast” and the inside pulp or “hurd.” They have some applications in common, yet each one has its own very individual and distinct applications as well.

Hurd can be used in building e.g. bricks, board, plaster etc.

It is also far superior to wood shavings when used as animal bedding

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Amelia
amelia.karg@hemptons.co.za

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