Where Hemp Protein Powder Comes From
When a mommy hemp protein and a daddy hemp protein love each other very much…
Just kidding. That’s not it.
Industrial hemp that’s grown for grain is typically planted pretty close together and harvested after about nine weeks. Depending on the cultivar, each acre of industrial hemp planted will yield between a half and full ton of hemp grain, or seeds.
Hemp protein powder comes from what’s left over after oil is extracted from industrial hemp seeds.
Sometimes, the solids from the process of extracting the seeds are simply ground into powder. These solids are everything in the seed that isn’t oil--hulls, membranes, and hearts.
That powder is then packaged and sold as protein powder. Typically, this product would be roughly 33% protein.
However, sometimes this powder undergoes a process called clarification. A machine uses static electricity, air, and agitation to separate the lower-protein particles (hulls) from the higher-protein particles (hearts). The resulting product is a higher protein powder, usually in the neighborhood of 50% protein.
The two products, 33% protein powder and 50% protein powder look a little different. The higher protein powder is softer in texture and lighter in color. The lower protein powder is rougher and darker, though the differences are subtle and you might not notice them unless you see the two products side by side.
Both kinds of hemp protein powder are gluten free, though many of them are processed by facilities that also mill wheat products, so if you’re highly gluten sensitive, please check the packaging to confirm a gluten free certification.
The flavor is unassertively nutty and earthy; larger inclusions of hemp protein will yield a stronger hemp flavor, but think of it as a complementary taste rather than a primary one.
Uses for Hemp Protein Powder
Hemp Protein powder can be included in baking, smoothies, puddings, and sauces. It can be eaten raw or cooked, and maintains high nutritional value. Hemp protein is an excellent source for folks who are vegan, and can be included in gluten-free baking mixes.
It has begun to earn distinction in the world of performance sports for athletes who prefer not to consume animal products.
If you’re just looking to add an alternative or additional protein source to your diet, consider using a couple of tablespoons of hemp flour next time you bake cookies, bread, or muffins.
You may need to increase the amount of moisture in your recipe because hemp flour absorbs more liquid than wheat flour. Add a sprinkle to your tomato sauce on spaghetti night, or mix some into your breakfast smoothie.
However you decide to use Hemp Protein Powder, remember that Industrial Hemp farming has a lot of potential to produce many sustainable hemp products, and your use of them supports that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where does hemp protein powder comes from?
A. Hemp protein powder comes from what’s left over after oil is extracted from industrial hemp seeds.
Q. What does hemp protein powder taste like?
A. Flavor is unassertively nutty & earthy; larger inclusions of hemp protein will yield a stronger hemp flavor, think of it as a complementary taste rather than a primary one.
Q. Where can hemp protein powder be used?
A. Hemp Protein powder can be included in baking, smoothies, puddings & sauces. It can be eaten raw or cooked & maintains high nutritional value.