Hemp milk is a natural, health-friendly, plant-based alternative to cow’s milk and other alternative milks like soy, almond or oat. While it is made from the seeds of a cannabis plant, it does not contain THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Instead, it has a high level of healthful fats, plant protein and important minerals. Whether you’re leading a plant-based lifestyle or simply want to integrate this nutritious beverage into your diet, there are many great reasons to try this natural wonder.
While hemp milk is available in many grocery, health-food or plant-based stores, you may wonder how to make hemp milk on your own. With this easy recipe, you’ll soon be enjoying this exciting milk alternative.
Why Choose Hemp Milk?
Hemp seeds do contain some natural CBD to help with inflammation or pain, but they also provide eight essential amino acids and plant protein. If you make your hemp milk at home, you might have as much as 10 grams of protein in one glass. (Store-bought hemp milk is less protein-rich, averaging 1.5 grams of protein per cup.) It can also contain up to 8 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.
If you can use almond milk in your plant-based recipe, you can use hemp milk for a new vegan cooking option. You can save your hemp milk for up to five days in the refrigerator after you make it, although it’s best in the first two days.
How To Make Hemp Milk at Home
As long as you have a powerful blender, it is easy to make hemp milk at home. The basic ratio is simple: one part seeds to six parts water. This means for every 1/2 cup of hemp seeds you add, use 3 cups of water. If you want thicker milk, boost the number of seeds you use. You can use shelled hemp hearts or whole hemp seeds for more fiber. If you use whole seeds, however, you will need to use cheesecloth to filter your milk before you drink it.
Ingredients
- Hemp seeds or hearts
- Water
- Sea salt
To make your hemp milk:
- Put 1/2 cup of hemp seeds in the blender along with 3 cups of water.
- Add a pinch of sea salt (optional) for flavor.
- Run the blender on high for at least 30 seconds until the seeds are completely broken up and the water is milky.
- If you used whole seeds, strain through a cheesecloth into a glass container.
- Refrigerate in a lidded container before serving.
You may not be accustomed to the slight hemp taste that accompanies hemp milk. If so, you can choose one of the flavored options for a tasty snack. Though, if you’re using whole hemp seeds, you may want to filter your milk before blending again with your flavor ingredients.
Some flavors that you can add to your hemp milk include:
- Vanilla extract or vanilla bean
- Orange zest
- Raw cacao or cocoa powder
- Fresh berries or pitted dates
- Coconut sugar or maple syrup
Add a small amount of your flavor booster and adjust until you get the taste you enjoy. Hemp milk is a tasty, refreshing plant-based milk alternative that can add a nutritional boost to your kitchen.