I love trying new foods. But to really get me hooked, it needs to be a great-tasting whole food, that I can easily integrate into my routine. Enter the hemp seed.

Until recently, hemp seeds weren’t a staple ingredient in my diet, but since learning how to use them to enhance meals that I already love, I heart these hemp hearts.

Before going any further let’s address a common concern. Yes, hemp seeds do come from the same species of plant as marijuana. However, the hemp seeds meant for consumption contain very little THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the substance responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects.  So no high here. Although, you might get a high from nutrient-dense satisfaction…

Hemp seeds have a subtle nutty flavour, nice bite and are versatile, nutritional powerhouses. They’re a complete protein, rich in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium, iron, zinc and folate. In brief, these vegan-friendly options would make an excellent addition to anyone’s day.

 

 

The hemp hearts pictured above are raw, shelled hemp seeds from Manitoba Harvest. You can find these and other of their hemp products online or at your local health food store. I personally love the convenience of these single serve packs. Keep them at home, at the office, in your purse or in your bag for great on-the-go snacking.

 How to enjoy hemp seeds

• On their own

• Over salad

• Added to stir fries

• In your oatmeal

• Sprinkled over yogurt

• In your pesto

• Blended into a smoothie

 

Summer garden salad with hemp seeds

I used hemp hearts as this salad topper for a 10g protein boost.

Makes 1-2 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 large cucumber, washed and sliced
• 2 tbsp kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh organo
• Handful arugula or other leafy green
• 3 tablespoons hemp seeds
• Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

1. In a medium bowl, add the vinegar and slowly whisk-in the olive oil in a steady stream.
2. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, oregano, arugula, hemp seeds, salt and pepper.
3. Toss gently and serve.

Are you familiar with hemp seeds?