The end of 2017 marked a long overdue victory for the little plant of big controversy.
Australia has been slow to adopt hemp as a food-grade ingredient, banning imports and forcing growers to label their products as pet food or skincare. With the lift in policy our shelves are displaying a more diverse offering of hemp infused foods, from hemp yogurt to artisan breads and beers. The consumer is spoilt for choice as imports compete for shelf space alongside homegrown hemp, and here is where we have a chance to support local growers in an emerging industry.
We asked artisan producers Australian Primary Hemp to give perspective on the potential expansion of hemp products and the difference of locally sourced hemp.
Since the legalisation of Hemp as a food in Australia on the 12th of November last year, we have seen the market inundated with new Hemp food products hitting the shelves. At Australian Primary Hemp our retail line includes a Hemp Oil, Hemp Protein, and Hulled Hemp Seeds. Other interesting food products popping up around Australia include Hemp Beer, Hemp Granola, Hemp Milk, Hemp Butter and even Hemp Ice-cream. The wider Hemp market has also flourished introducing a range of hemp clothing, concrete, paper and plastic products to the market.
The Hemp seeds used to produce different consumables can be sourced locally here in Australia and internationally from places like China and Canada. At Australian Primary Hemp we are passionate about supporting local farmers and watching this emerging agricultural industry grow. This is why we source all our seeds directly from the farmer we work with locally around Australia. By doing this we can ensure the quality of the seed, how it has been produced and that it is 100% Australian.
The risk with buying Hemp food products that use internationally imported seed is that you can’t guarantee the seed is fresh, what conditions it has been grown in and where it has come from.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, why not add a new food experience to your romantic plans. Our Vegan Hemp Pesto creates a beautiful vibrant green colour, goes perfectly with crackers or bread and is simple and quick to make. Perfect for a picnic under the stars or for recreating your own ‘Lady and the Tramp’ pasta moment!
Ingredients
2 cups of fresh basil
1/2 cup of fresh spinach leaves
1 garlic clove
1 cup Hemp Oil
Juice of half a lemon
1/4 hemp seeds
1 tablespoon of Hemp Protein
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Serve with fresh bread, crackers or with pasta.
Dine Differently with AU Hemp @ ausprimaryhemp.com.au
