Organic hemp seed oil is a versatile and nutritious product that can be used for various purposes. Hemp seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant, which is a variety of the cannabis plant. Hemp seed oil does not contain any psychoactive compounds, such as THC, that are found in marijuana. Instead, hemp seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial compounds.
Using hemp seed oil as a dietary supplement
One of the most common ways to use organic hemp seed oil is as a dietary supplement. Hemp seed oil can help support the immune system, reduce inflammation, improve skin health, lower cholesterol levels, and balance hormones. Hemp seed oil can be taken by itself or mixed with other oils, such as flaxseed oil or coconut oil, to enhance its benefits. The recommended dosage of hemp seed oil is one to two tablespoons per day.
Using hemp seed oil as a food ingredient
Another way to use organic hemp seed oil is as a food ingredient. Hemp seed oil has a nutty and earthy flavor that can add a delicious twist to many dishes. Hemp seed oil can be used in smoothies, salads, sauces, and baked goods. Here are some examples of how to use hemp seed oil in these foods:
Smoothies
Hemp seed oil can be blended with fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, yogurt, milk, or water to make a creamy and nutritious smoothie. Hemp seed oil can also enhance the flavor and texture of protein powders or other supplements that are added to smoothies. Some examples of smoothie recipes that use hemp seed oil are:
- Banana hemp smoothie: Blend one banana, one cup of almond milk, two tablespoons of hemp seed oil, one tablespoon of honey, and a pinch of cinnamon.
- Berry hemp smoothie: Blend one cup of mixed berries, one cup of plain yogurt, two tablespoons of hemp seed oil, one tablespoon of maple syrup, and some ice cubes.
- Green hemp smoothie: Blend one cup of spinach, one apple, one celery stalk, one lemon juice, two tablespoons of hemp seed oil, one teaspoon of ginger, and some water.
Salads
Hemp seed oil can be used as a base for salad dressings or as a drizzle over salads. Hemp seed oil can add a nutty and savory flavor to any salad. Hemp seed oil can also be combined with other ingredients, such as vinegar, lemon juice, herbs, spices, salt, pepper, mustard, or honey, to make different kinds of salad dressings. Some examples of salad recipes that use hemp seed oil are:
- Kale and quinoa salad: Toss chopped kale leaves with cooked quinoa, dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a dressing made from 1/4 cup of hemp seed oil, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, two tablespoons of honey, one teaspoon of dijon mustard, salt and pepper.
- Tomato and avocado salad: Arrange sliced tomatoes and avocados on a platter. Sprinkle with chopped basil leaves and sea salt flakes. Drizzle with a dressing made from 1/4 cup of hemp seed oil, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, one garlic clove minced, salt and pepper.
- Roasted vegetable salad: Roast chopped carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, onions, and garlic in the oven until tender. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with baby spinach leaves and roasted sunflower seeds. Drizzle with a dressing made from 1/4 cup of hemp seed oil, 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar, two tablespoons of maple syrup, salt and pepper.
Sauces
Hemp seed oil can be used as an ingredient in various sauces that can be served with pasta, rice, vegetables, meat, or fish. Hemp seed oil can add a rich and creamy texture to sauces without using dairy products. Hemp seed oil can also be mixed with other ingredients, such as tomato sauce, pesto sauce, cheese sauce, or curry sauce, to create different flavors. Some examples of sauce recipes that use hemp seed oil are:
- Hemp alfredo sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together 1/4 cup of hemp seed oil, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast, two tablespoons of cornstarch, one teaspoon of garlic powder, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in one cup of almond milk until smooth and thickened. Serve over cooked pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Hemp pesto sauce: In a food processor or blender, pulse together two cups of fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup of hemp seeds, 1/4 cup of hemp seed oil, two tablespoons of lemon juice, one garlic clove, salt and pepper. Serve over cooked pasta or rice.
- Hemp curry sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté one onion chopped, one carrot chopped, and one bell pepper chopped in two tablespoons of hemp seed oil for about 15 minutes or until soft. Stir in two tablespoons of curry powder, one teaspoon of cumin, one teaspoon of turmeric, salt and pepper. Add one can of coconut milk and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes or until thickened. Serve over cooked rice or quinoa.
Baked goods
Hemp seed oil can be used as a substitute for butter or other oils in baking recipes. Hemp seed oil can add moisture and flavor to baked goods without adding cholesterol or saturated fat. Hemp seed oil can also be combined with other ingredients, such as flax seeds, chia seeds, oats, nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, or spices, to make different kinds of baked goods. Some examples of baked goods recipes that use hemp seed oil are:
- Hemp banana bread: In a large bowl, mash three ripe bananas with a fork. Stir in 1/4 cup of hemp seed oil, 1/4 cup of maple syrup, one teaspoon of vanilla extract, and two eggs. In another bowl, whisk together two cups of whole wheat flour, one teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Fold in 1/4 cup of hemp seeds and 1/4 cup of chocolate chips. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
- Hemp oatmeal cookies: In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of hemp seed oil and 1/2 cup of brown sugar with an electric mixer. Add one egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract and beat well. In another bowl, stir together one and a half cups of rolled oats, one cup of whole wheat flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well. Stir in 1/4 cup of raisins and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and flatten slightly with your fingers. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 12 minutes or until golden. Cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Hemp muffins: In a large bowl, whisk together two cups of all-purpose flour, two teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup of hemp seeds. In another bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of hemp seed oil, 3/4 cup of honey, one teaspoon of lemon zest, and two eggs. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix. Spoon the batter into 12 muffin cups lined with paper liners and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack before serving.