How to Make Hemp Milk at Home: A Quick and Simple Guide
Author: Eva Keller
What is Hemp Milk and Why You Should Try It
Hemp milk, made from blended hemp seeds and water, is a nutritious and delicious alternative to cow’s milk. With its rich hazelnut flavor, it is highly digestible and perfect for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. But beyond its taste and health benefits, hemp milk is also the most environmentally friendly milk option available.
Why Hemp Milk is the Most Eco-Friendly Choice
Hemp Milk’s Low Environmental Impact
Choosing hemp milk over cow’s milk significantly reduces your carbon footprint. A study from 2018 highlights that dairy products produce approximately three times more greenhouse gas emissions than plant-based milk. Here’s how hemp milk compares in terms of environmental impact:
Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Producing one kilogram of cow’s milk emits between 1.14 and 2.50 kilograms of carbon dioxide, depending on the region. In contrast, plant-based milks like almond and soy produce much less, with hemp milk being one of the lowest emitters.
Soil Usage
Dairy milk production requires nine times more land than producing plant-based milk. For instance, a litre of cow’s milk needs 8.9 square meters of land annually, while oat milk requires only 0.8 square meters, and hemp milk even less.
Water Consumption
Producing cow’s milk consumes a staggering 628 litres of water per litre of milk. Hemp milk, on the other hand, requires significantly less water, making it a more sustainable choice.
The Versatility of the Hemp Plant
Hemp is a highly versatile plant with various uses. Its seeds can be consumed directly or processed into hemp oil and milk. Beyond food, hemp can be transformed into building materials, textile fibers, paper, and even biodegradable plastics. The deep-growing roots of the hemp plant improve soil structure, reduce mould, and minimize the need for harmful chemicals. Although hemp cultivation requires more water than soy, it still uses less water than almonds and dairy products.
How to Make Hemp Milk at Home
Ingredients for Hemp Milk
- 1/2 cup of hemp seeds
- 0.5 litres of water
Preparation Steps
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Soak the Seeds: Start by soaking the hemp seeds in water for 4 to 5 hours. This step is crucial for softening the seeds and making them easier to blend. After soaking, replace the water with 0.5 litres of fresh water.
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Blend Thoroughly: Using a hand mixer, blend the seeds and water together for 3 to 5 minutes. This ensures that the seeds are ground thoroughly, creating a smooth mixture.
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Strain the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture through a cloth or semi-cloth to strain out any solid particles, leaving you with a smooth and creamy hemp milk.
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Chill and Serve: You can refrigerate the hemp milk to chill it before serving. It can be enjoyed as a drink, used in cooking, or added to cereals and smoothies.
Enjoy Your Homemade Hemp Milk!