Hemp Hearts – 16 oz

WE LOVE HEMP!: Hemp hearts are the tender, nutritious kernels of goodness stored inside of hemp seeds. The seeds contain an outer hull and inside lie the hemp hearts. The hemp seeds are dehulled so that you only receive the hemp hearts. Globally, Canada is the largest hemp-growing producer with the European Union in second place. In 2018, the U.S. Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp and as such growing hemp for food purposes in the U.S.A. is still in its infancy. Our Hemp Hearts are organically grown in Canada.

The Cannabis sativa plant is considered one of the most ancient cultivated plants known, with origins believed to be from central Asia. The hemp plant is a low impact environmental plant with multiple uses aside from its nutritious hemp hearts; for example, hemp rope, hemp paper, and textiles which are made out of the fibers of the stalk.

Although the same genus and species name is used (Cannabis sativa) hemp hearts are derived from what is often referred to as industrial hemp or simply hemp. U.S. laws dictate that industrial hemp shall contain less than or equal to 0.3% THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) by dry weight. In plain English, this means that industrial hemp is materially different from its known counterpart and will not get you high. How is this possible? A different cultivar (variety) of Cannabis sativa plant is used, bred to contain legally compliant amounts of THC.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let us focus on why hemp hearts are so healthy! Since ancient times, seeds have played an important role as nutrition for both humans and animals.

VITAL HEALTH BENEFITS: The most important nutritional component of hemp hearts is its fatty acid composition (the oil). While the predominance of seed oils used commercially to deep fry potato and tortilla chips contain a high amount of omega-6 with insignificant amounts of omega-3s, hemp hearts contain a balanced ratio of omega-6 and omega-3 (short chain) fatty acids. Omega-3 and omega-6 are known as essential fatty acids, meaning your body cannot synthesize them so they must be obtained from the diet. According to the European Food and Safety Authority, the ideal omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio is in the range of 3:1 to 5:1. Hemp hearts’ fatty acids are perfectly balanced in that they contain the ideal omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio, 3:1 to 5:1. The 3:1 to 5:1 ratio of these omegas is what is observed in Mediterranean and traditional Japanese diets.

In addition, hemp hearts are a complete protein. A complete protein means that all nine essential amino acids are present. The nine amino acids labeled as “essential” are the amino acids your body cannot produce on its own and therefore must be obtained from food. Plant-based proteins are classified as complete or incomplete proteins. Incomplete protein sources must be combined in order to form a complete protein. Other examples of plant-based complete proteins include quinoa, buckwheat (not actually a wheat), spirulina algae, chlorella algae, and moringa leaf.

Hemp hearts also contain a plethora of vitamins and minerals. One serving of hemp hearts contain a whopping 45% Daily Value of magnesium! At least, fifty per cent of the American population is deficient in magnesium. Talk about national epidemic. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the human body. Magnesium is a required cofactor (helper molecule) for vitamin D activation and considered the most important vitamin cofactor amongst the many vitamin D cofactors. Magnesium is also involved in over 300 enzyme systems in the body that regulate numerous biochemical reactions. One serving of hemp hearts is also rich in iron, providing 20% Daily Value, and hemp hearts are a good source of naturally occurring folate, providing 10% of the Daily Value.

DELICIOUS FLAVOR: Hemp hearts have a mild, nutty flavor. Add them to salads, soups, dressings, nut milks, superfood drinks, or snack on them whole out of the bag. YUM!

HARD-CORE STANDARDS: Certified organic by Oregon Tilth, certified vegan by Vegan Action, certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, and certified kosher by Orthodox Union. Additionally, our TruGanic™ standard (lab tested for pesticides and GMOs (genetically modified ingredients) upon ingredient qualification ensures purity and quality. Free of fillers, binders, and flow agents; products are lab tested for botanical identity, heavy metals, microbiological activity, and gluten.

HIGHEST MANUFACTURING STANDARDS: Manufactured in the USA in an FDA registered facility. Recognized as NSF International/ANSI (American National Standards Institute) cGMP (current good manufacturing practices) certified manufacturing standards. Made in an organic, kosher, gluten-free, and vegan compliant facility.

Hempy Salad

• Small bowl fresh sprouts
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons hemp hearts
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 pinch sea salt