The second annual Hemp History Week (May 2-8) is here and we couldn’t be more excited! I’m sure you’re waiting for the punch line but Hemp History Week actually has a pretty serious mission—educating the public, debunking myths and changing public policy—to support the industrial hemp industry. Here are some interesting facts from the Hemp History Week website opens in a new tab:
Hemp was a staple crop in the U.S. from the 1600s until the 1850s.
Since 1937 American farmers have basically been banned from growing hemp. Hemp used in products sold in the U.S. is imported from other countries, such as Canada.
Hemp fiber is one of the strongest natural fibers and hemp is often used to strengthen plastics, paper, textiles and even building materials.
Hemp can be grown without any pesticides or agricultural chemicals and, if so, is a non-toxic source of fiber for clothing.
As a food, hemp is loaded with digestible protein, omega essential fatty acids (EFAs) and naturally occurring minerals.
Hemp is not marijuana. It has little to no measurable THC and has no drug value.
Although the hemp plant has been cultivated for decades, it seems to only recently be garnering the attention it truly deserves. I can remember going to camp as a little girl and making hemp bracelets and anklets tied into funky knots with all of my friends. Now I can find that same plant in many of the products I enjoy every day:
Packed with seeds and grains — a yummy option for breakfast, lunch or snacking on the fly
Made with a nutritious blend of organic hemp seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, juicy raisins and whole grains
Organic, Non-GMO Project verified opens in a new tab, vegan and 140 calories
Softening soap made with stimulating peppermint and moisturizing hemp oil
Organic and Fair Trade Certified through the Swiss IMO “Fair for Life” program
Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
Since 2001, the Bronner family has funded legal, media, grassroots and lobbying efforts to re-commercialize industrial hemp
With protein and omega essential fatty acids
Raw with a soft texture
Hemp seeds can be enjoyed as a garnish, in recipes or straight from the bag
A rich, smooth and creamy non-dairy beverage
Includes omega essential fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals
Vegan, soy free and gluten free
Living Harvest is committed to bringing the goodness of hemp to everyone
Add this deliciously nutty, light-tasting oil to salad dressings, smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods and more
Cold pressed and bottled in small batches
With omega-3s and vitamin E
Nutiva donates 1% of sales to sustainable agriculture groups
You could also celebrate this week by cooking up some great-tasting recipes that highlight the light, nutty flavor of hemp:Hemp and Blueberry Corn Muffins opens in a new tabHempseed Apricot Chews opens in a new tabLemony Cabbage-Avocado Slaw opens in a new tabThese are just some of the great ways to incorporate hemp into your diet. Have you tried any of these hemp products or recipes recently? Click on the links above to rate them and share your comments. You can also tell us what your favorite hemp product is in the comments below.
