Homemade Hemp Milk
Homemade hemp milk is a nutritious plant-based alternative to cow’s milk. It is free of cholesterol, soy, and gluten, so it may be a good option for people who need to avoid allergy triggers in their diet.
Hemp Milk and the Doshas
Because hemp seeds have a sweet, oily, and heavy quality, this recipe is suitable for Vata or Pitta dosha balance.
However, those same qualities are what can make it aggravating for Kapha dosha types, especially when digestion is in a weak or sluggish stage.
Hemp Nutrition:
Hemp seeds are an excellent source of plant-based protein containing all 9 essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine, as well as:
- omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Iron
- Sulfur
- Calcium
- Vitamin E
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- B-vitamins
- Zinc
Another nutrient hemp milk contains is an amino acid called arginine. Our bodies need this material to produce nitric oxide, which helps the blood vessels relax to maintain healthy blood pressure.
Other Sources
Quinoa and chia seeds are also sources of complete plant-based protein. For your comparison, hemp milk has more protein in general than almond milk but contains less protein than soy milk.
Hemp Milk Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups distilled water
- 1 cup organic hemp hearts
- 2 whole pitted dates or your choice of sweetener
**for extra sweetness:
1 tbsp maple or rice syrup *Pitta Dosha
or 1 tablespoon maple syrup or molasses *Vata Dosha - 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
- Option to get fancy! Add a cup of your favorite fresh berries to make a fruity flavored variety.
*You can scale the basic recipe up or down easily *1 cup water: 1/4 cup hemp seeds: 1-2 dates.
To Prepare:
- Add hemp seeds, water, dates, and any optional ingredients you like to a blender.
- Blend on high for 1 minute.
- Strain into a sealable glass jar and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Ways To Enjoy Your Hemp Milk
Your fresh hemp milk can be poured over hot cereal or granola, added to your favorite fruit smoothies, and used in any baking recipe that asks for cow’s milk. Hemp milk provides a great substitute for dairy and is also a great alternative for people who have allergies to tree nuts.