Hemp, a possible wonder crop for food, fodder, bio-fuel, paper and more

Image Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:La_Roche_Jagu_chanvre_1.JPG

Prior to nineteen thirties, hemp plant was grown widely in the world as a profitable crop. In the years since, it seems, because of other competing commercial interests and banning of cannabis, the shorter cousin of hemp under false propaganda perhaps with a motive of profit for some, this plant too is not as widely used. Now that it has been discovered through modern science that the propaganda was false its re-legalization has begun in the world, various countries where climate is suitable for its growth must re-examine this crop. It may turn to be a highly profitable and useful crop because of its use for bio-fuels, food, fodder and paper pulp. Hemp does not contain as much of  intoxicating chemicals that cannabis does.

Hemp produces most biomass of any crop, which is why it is a natural choice for an energy crop. Hemp converts Sun’s energy into cellulose faster than any other plant, through photosynthesis.  Recently when this was done in Hawaii, researchers were surprised at how fast this plant grew. The fact that hemp does not need to have land cleared to grow it, grows faster than any of the crops currently used and leaves the ground in a better state when it is harvested, should be enough for it to be considered a perfect crop to offset carbon currently produced by fossil fuels and by less efficient bio fuels currently being used.

Hemp seeds are notable as a high-protein food source, providing 73% of the Daily Value in a 100 g serving. Hemp seed profile is comparable to other sources of protein such as meat, milk, eggs and soy. In addition fresh leaves can also be consumed in salads to meet the vegetable needs of a growing population. They are rich in minerals and nutrients while stalks that are left over after removing leaves and seeds for food can be sold to paper pulp industry.

According to http://www.purehealingfoods.com/hempHeartsInfo.php

Hemp Seeds are a gift of nature. They are the most nutritious seed in the world. Hemp Seeds are a complete protein. They have the most concentrated balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins and enzymes combined with a relative absence of sugar, starches and saturated fats. Hemp Seeds are one of nature's perfect foods - a Super Food. This is one of the most potent foods available, supporting optimal health and well being, for life. Raw hemp provides a broad spectrum of health benefits, including: weight loss, increased and sustained energy, rapid recovery from disease or injury, lowered cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced inflammation, improvement in circulation and immune system as well as natural blood sugar control. ---

Hemp Seeds are a more digestible protein than meat, whole eggs, cheese, human milk, cow’s milk, or any other high protein food. They have a better spectrum of available proteins than soybeans--without the soybean anti-nutritional factors. They are an excellent protein product for everyone - mothers, babies, body builders, convalescents, the elderly, EVERYONE.

There might be some commercial hype in  previous description since it is by those who sell the hemp seeds. however, despite that they do remain an excellent food. Hemp is also an excellent animal feed. After removing newest freshest leaf for human consumption the rest can be used as animal feed. Similarly its oil cake is also an animal feed. The fast growing nature of this plant and its multiple uses make it a much better crop to grow than most other fodder plantations wherever the climate is suitable for its growth. For a report on the use of hemp as animal feed from the European commission see:

http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/2011

There is  urgent need for new research by the agricultural research institutes in the modern context on the potential for this ancient crop. For  initial information on this plant see Wikipedia as well as following links:

http://truedemocracyparty.net/2014/07/hemponal-hemp-based-alcohol-fuels-hemp-fuel-the-way-out-of-foreign-oil-dependency-refuel-america-campaign-pt-1-google-mainstream-media-censorship-level-highactive/

http://www.kitv.com/news/historic-hemp-harvest-buoys-hopes/34327928
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An interested reader may find many delicious recipes for hemp on the net by a Google search. Here are two new ones by this blogger, one for dinner and another for breakfast

Recipe for Hemp Green delight:

Image Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/25051341650669044/

Heat two table spoon cooking oil in a pan, add a level teaspoon cumin seeds until they splutter, add one large chopped onion and stir fry until light brown, then add two cups of well washed and chopped young leaves of Hemp. You may add a tea spoon of tomato paste and/or one chopped fresh tomato and/or one chopped green pepper ( or green chilies if you prefer it hot), and other spices as well as salt to taste while stir frying. Stir fry for two minutes and the Hemp Delight is ready.

Adding half a cup of steamed hemp seeds and/or crushed paneer and/or shredded chicken breast during stir frying will add variation and protein content to dish. For dinner serve on plates while still steaming with garlic bread or cut pieces of nan bread on side for a full dinner. If wine is served with dinner let it be a white only and not a Red or Rose. Followed by a desert of ice cream garnished with flaked almonds or chocolate chips and honey is just great for an evening.

Note: Image is of a comparable dish from the net 


The Heavenly Hemp Seed Croissants and Bread

Image adapted from: https://static.pexels.com/photos/3692/food-morning-breakfast-croissant.jpg

 

Here is a simple recipe for any of your favorite bread. Stir in two table spoons of hemp seeds for every cup of refined flour used and prepare bread by your favorite recipe for bread in the usual way. Use other ingredients assuming you are using just ordinary flour. 

It is Great for improving taste and nutritional profile of almost all types of bread and just out of the world with a heavenly buttery and nutty taste when this hemp seed enriched flour is used to make croissants. A couple of large ones with a hard boiled egg, glass of fruit juice and a cup of coffee is a complete and satisfying breakfast