Hemp is slowly creeping its way back into the state, and it’s no longer just found in skillfully hidden, illegal gardens. With its high protein content and essential fatty acids, this super food is also making its way onto the plates and into the stomachs of Kentuckians. Thanks to local groups such as Kentucky Hempsters and Kentucky Hemp Works, this plant, which used to be one of Kentucky’s number one cash crops, is switching from a forbidden substance to a favorite sustenance.
Before the 1900s, Kentucky was the nation’s number one producer of hemp, and many farmers made their living growing the versatile plant, which can be turned into a variety of products, from rope to animal feed. With the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1930, hemp, and all other forms of cannabis, were outlawed and Kentucky lost a vital part of its economy. Despite the efforts of some stalwart hemp supporters, both the state and federal governments refused to consider legalizing what once was a thriving industry. In 2014, however, hemp-lovers won a long-sought victory when the 2014 Farm Bill made it legal for states to start industrial hemp pilot projects for research.
For those who are unfamiliar with hemp, the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill may have appeared to be a victory for only farmers. After all, hemp is commonly associated with textiles, and it is not something many would envision using in their daily lives. But they would be mistaken.
Due to its versatility, hemp can be used to produce a number of products that extend far beyond the farm and textile industries.
The Kentucky Hempsters, an organization dedicated to bringing hemp back to Kentucky, have made it their goal to show the state the usefulness of hemp in everyday products. Through community education and advocacy, the group hopes to educate people all across Kentucky on the history of hemp while igniting a desire for hemp-based products.
Creating a demand for hemp is no easy feat, especially when so few people are knowledgeable about the plant. The Kentucky Hempsters combat this ignorance by traveling throughout the state and speaking at a variety of community events. During these presentations, the group provides hemp foods and products while spreading the message that “hemp can create thousands of sustainable products that are healthier for us.” Those useful products range from lip balm to hand soap to granola bars.
Katie Moyer of Kentucky Hemp Works, one of the few Kentucky-based companies specializing in the production of hemp products, said her company has a variety of merchandise for sale. “We do sell hemp products; seed oil, protein powder, root salve and balm, and fire starters, with more prototypes in the works,” Moyer said. Anyone interested in Moyer’s products can order them online through Kentucky Hemp Works’ website.
For those who may not relish the idea of online shopping, there are brick-and-mortar options. You can now find hemp products, such as hemp oil, hemp flour and hemp granola on the shelves of local stores, such as Rainbow Blossom, and the aisles of large chain stores, like Kroger. Hemp oil, hemp flour and hemp seeds (hemp hearts) are just a few of the popular edible hemp products you can buy.
Alyssa Erickson, co-founder of Kentucky Hempsters, said her favorite hemp food is hemp hearts. “They've got a light, nutty flavor and are perfect in salads, hummus, pestos, casseroles, deserts and more,” Erickson said. “You can pretty much add them to any dish for extra protein and fatty acids.”
While incorporating hemp foods into everyday cooking may sound difficult given their relatively new popularity, Kirstin Bohnert, the other founder of Kentucky Hempsters, said cooking with hemp is easy enough that even the simplest of cooks can use the food successfully.
“It’s very easy,” Bohnert said, adding that there are a number of cookbooks that contain simple recipes. She suggested The Hempnut Cookbook by Richard Rose, Brigitte Mars and Christina Pirello.
For those of you who are eager to try this mysterious little plant, here is one recipe from the Kentucky Hempsters. And don’t worry, this food won’t make you high.
Goo Balls
2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 c almond butter
6 c crispy rice cereal
Hemp seeds
Melt the chocolate chips and add almond butter.
Mix well.
Gently stir in the cereal and hemp seeds until completely coated.
Form into walnut size balls.
Enjoy!
Original Image: Bogdan assumed (based on copyright claims).CC BY-SA 3.0
