April 22nd marks Earth Day, a time to celebrate our planet and make conscious decisions to protect it. One way to honor the earth is by incorporating sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients into our meals, such as hemp seeds.

Not only are hemp seeds nutritious and versatile, but they also have a low environmental impact compared to other crops. Here are five delicious and easy-to-make recipes that use hemp seeds, perfect for celebrating Earth Day.

Hemp Seed Energy Balls

These no-bake energy balls are a perfect snack for any time of the day. They are easy to make and require only a few ingredients, including hemp seeds, dates, and almond butter.

Ingredients

1 cup pitted dates
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup hemp seeds
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Directions

Add dates, oats, and hemp seeds to a food processor and blend until well combined.
Add almond butter and honey, and blend again until a sticky mixture forms.
Roll the mixture into small balls and coat with shredded coconut.
Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Hemp Seed Pesto

This hemp seed pesto is a healthy and flavorful twist on the classic sauce. It can be used as a dip, spread, or sauce on pasta, pizza, or sandwiches.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup hemp seeds
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic
1/4 tsp salt

Directions

Add basil leaves, hemp seeds, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and salt to a food processor and pulse until combined.
While the food processor is running, slowly add olive oil until the pesto reaches the desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Hemp Seed Granola

Making your granola at home is easy, and this recipe is a perfect example. It uses hemp seeds, oats, and other natural ingredients to create a crunchy and flavorful breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

3 cups rolled oats
1 cup chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts)
1/2 cup hemp seeds
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine oats, nuts, hemp seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, mix together honey, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix well.
Spread the mixture evenly onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Let cool before storing in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Hemp Seed Smoothie

This refreshing smoothie is a perfect way to start your day or a healthy snack in between meals. The combination of hemp seeds, fruit, and yogurt creates a creamy and nutritious beverage.

Ingredients

1 banana
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1/2 cup almond milk
1 tsp honey (optional)

Directions

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Taste and adjust sweetness as needed by adding honey.
Pour into a glass and enjoy.

Hemp Seed Salad

This salad is a perfect combination of fresh greens, crunchy veggies, and nutty hemp seeds. The dressing is also made with hemp oil, which adds a unique and healthy flavor.

Ingredients

4 cups mixed greens
1 cucumber, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp hemp oil
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cucumber, bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, hemp oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well.
Sprinkle hemp seeds on top and serve.

Incorporating hemp seeds into your meals is an easy and delicious way to celebrate Earth Day. These five recipes are just the beginning of what you can do with this sustainable and nutritious ingredient. Enjoy!

Conclusion

In conclusion, celebrating Earth Day can be as simple as using sustainable and eco-friendly ingredients in our meals. Hemp seeds are a great choice as they have a low environmental impact and are packed with nutrients. These five recipes are easy to make, delicious, and incorporate hemp seeds in creative ways. Try them out and make this Earth Day a memorable one!

FAQs

What are the nutritional benefits of hemp seeds?

Hemp seeds are a great source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. They also contain essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Is hemp legal to consume?

Yes, hemp seeds are legal to consume in most countries as they contain only trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana.

Can I substitute hemp oil for other oils in recipes?

Yes, hemp oil can be used as a substitute for other oils in recipes. It has a nutty flavor and adds a unique touch to dishes.

Are these recipes suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

Most of these recipes are gluten-free and vegetarian, but you should always check the ingredients to make sure they fit your dietary needs.

Where can I buy hemp seeds and hemp oil?

Hemp seeds and hemp oil can be found in health food stores, grocery stores, and online retailers such as HEMP&fork. Make sure to choose reputable brands and check for organic and non-GMO certifications.