Loaded with all kinds of nutrients and super friendly to the environment, Hemp Milk is probably the best non-dairy milk alternative you could go for. Plus, it only takes 2 ingredients and 1 minute of your time to make… Wins all around!
After discovering how crazy easy — and waste-free — it was to make cashew milk at home, I was completely and utterly sold on it and thought for sure that I could never find another solution that would beat that.
Until I [once again] did… This homemade hemp milk beats that cashew milk AND my zero waste oat milk hands down, as well as any other non-dairy milk alternative there is out there, I’m certain of it!
Sure, I mean, cashew milk tastes incredibly delicious and is also crazy easy to make. But, I’m not so sure about how ethical mass cashew production actually is, or what its impact on the environment is for that matter. Plus, while cashews are good for you, they aren’t necessarily what you could call a nutrition powerhouse!
Hemp on the other hand… I mean seriously, hemp milk ticks ALL the boxes.
HEMP — A NUTRITION POWERHOUSE
Not only do hemp seeds contain the perfect balance of the essential fatty acids required by the human body — they are such a good source of omega-3! — but they also contain a fair amount of magnesium, which plays an important role in metabolizing fats. They are also rich in iron, for prostate health and testosterone production, high in zinc, an important player in red blood cell production and in vitamin E, which helps protect cells against the damages caused by free radicals.
Hemp seeds are also well known for their anti-inflammatory effect in the body, which makes them an especially good choice for athletes or anyone struggling with an inflammatory condition. What’s more, they also happen to be a valuable source of complete plant-based protein.
HEMP — A SUSTAINABLE CROP
Finally, as if all this was not enough, hemp is a highly renewable natural resource; not only is the production of hemp totally sustainable but it is actually good for the environment as the plants enrich the soil in which they are planted, supplying it with nitrogen and other nutrients.
This makes drinking hemp milk a healthy AND environmentally responsible choice. HA! Finally, a milk that ticks all the boxes!
HEMP — A UNIQUE FLAVOR
The only little downside, if there is one, is that hemp milk definitely has a somewhat distinctive and rather unique flavor. It’s kind of earthy, nutty and slightly reminiscent of grass. If you’re not a fan of hemp seeds to start with, you probably won’t care much for hemp seed milk, initially. BUT, it’s an acquired taste, really, and totally worth getting used to. You have to give it a chance! To help, you could start by sweetening your milk a little bit at first by adding a few dates, a little bit of maple syrup or vanilla extract to it. This really helps in alleviating the flavor and making it more palatable, especially for the little ones.
HEMP MILK — SO CRAZY EASY TO MAKE
So when you’re good and ready to make your hemp milk, throw a cup of hemp seeds along with one cup of water, any eventual sweetener that you may have chosen to add and salt in the container of a high-speed blender.
Honestly, if you’re hoping to make your milk super silky and creamy, it’s definitely best that you use a high speed blender. However, you could probably get away with using a regular blender for this project, but be prepared for your milk to have a little bit more “texture” to it…
Now process the hemp seeds and water (and whatever sweetener you may have added) until smooth and creamy.
I find that adding just a little bit of water to start, as opposed to the entire quantity that the recipe calls for, helps the seeds really break down into a smooth cream, which in turns results in a truly smooth and silky milk.
Besides, if we were to add all the water at once right now, there would not be enough room in that container to process the milk at high speed for a full minute… Adding less water now allows you to let her rip without risking spilling milk all over the kitchen!
Once the hemp seeds and initial cup of water have been processed into a smooth cream, add the remaining 7 cups of water and process at low speed, just until everything is well blended. As you can see, hemp milk will froth quite a bit — which is a good thing, right? means you can totally froth it and add it to your favorite coffee or tea! — so proceed with care, as that milk will come up all the way to the edge!
TO STRAIN OR NOT TO STRAIN…
Also, you might notice that homemade hemp milk has a bit of a greenish tint to it; that’s because of all the tiny little specks of hemp that float in it. Those specks do not affect the flavor or texture of the milk in the least, but if they really bothered you, you could strain your milk with a nut bag to get rid of them. Me? I’m good, thanks. I simply LOVE those cute little greenish specks of goodness!
STORING YOUR HEMP MILK
And there you have it, your milk is now ready to be transferred to a clean bottle or container (or 2 or 3) and sent to the fridge, where it will keep for about a week.
As a final note, I strongly suggest that you let your milk chill completely before you use it; it will become that much tastier and creamier as it chills. Also, hemp milk does separate as it sits, so be sure to give it a real good shake before using it.
Hemp Milk
Loaded with all kinds of nutrients and super friendly to the environment, Hemp Milk is probably the best non-dairy milk alternative you could go for. Plus, it only takes 2 ingredients and 1 minute of your time to make… Wins all around!
Servings: 8 cups
- 1 cup organic hemp seed hearts
- 8 cups cold water
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Place the hemp seed hearts, salt, sweetener if using and 1 cup of water in the container of your high-speed blender and blend on high for 30 seconds to a minute, until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Add the rest of the water and process on low speed for a few seconds, until well blended.
- Transfer your milk to clean storage containers and keep refrigerated for about a week.
- If time permits, let the milk chill completely before using; it will become thicker and creamier as it chills.
- Also, be sure to give your milk a good shake before using as it tends to separate.
Hemp milk has a somewhat distinctive and rather unique flavor; it’s kind of earthy, nutty and slightly reminiscent of grass. If you’re not a fan, try adding a few dates, a little bit of maple syrup or vanilla extract to sweeten it. This really helps alleviate the flavor and make it more palatable, especially for the little ones.
Serving: 1cup, Calories: 94kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 85mg, Fiber: 1g, Vitamin A: 84IU, Calcium: 30mg, Iron: 2mg
If you’ve tried this recipe, please take a minute to let me know how things went for you in the comments below. It’s always such a pleasure to hear from you!