Got Hemp?

Hemp has become a versatile ingredient in everything from textiles to plastics to fuel, as well as a staple in the natural foods world as an excellent source of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Commonly found in items from organic oatmeal to sourdough pretzels, hemp is now appearing more and more in beverages. For those looking for an alternative to dairy, rice or soy milk, take a moment to try hemp milk. Pacific Natural Foods’ All-Natural Hemp Milk joins a number of others that tout vitamins, minerals, ten essential amino acids, and Omega 3 and 6. Try the Hazelnut Chocolate for a creamy treat.

You’ll also be lured in by  Tempt™ Hempmilk, available in a variety of flavors and used to make a line of dairy-free frozen desserts called Tempt™, available in Mint Chip, Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Biscotti, Chocolate Fudge and Chocolate Lime.

In addition, hemp is being used in a variety of alcoholic beverages like beer, wine and vodka. Because hemp and hops are cousins, the seeds and flowers are a natural addition to beer, such as Germany’s Greenleaf Hemp Lager or California’s Humboldt Brews Hemp Ale. Europe has been developing hemp wines, such as Switzerland’s ChanVrin Hemp Rose, while Hemp Vodka, with hemp seeds marinating on the bottom of the bottle, are coming from Russia and the Czech Republic, to name a few places.—Denise Shoukas

Denise Shoukas is a regular foodspring.com contributor and is the author of foodspring’s food forager blog.