Food products made from hemp sativa are increasingly used in our cuisine. Their nutritional properties are particularly appreciated.
In this article we want to address the topic by analyzing the properties of hemp seed, the derived products and the regulations that govern its use and consumption.
The legislation
In Italy, the main reference legislation for the hemp sector is Law 242/2016 ( Provisions for the promotion of cultivation and the agro-industrial supply chain of hemp ). This law contains provisions for the support and promotion of the cultivation and supply chain of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.), recognizing it as a crop capable of contributing to the reduction of environmental impact in agriculture, the reduction of land consumption and desertification and the loss of biodiversity, as well as a crop to be used as a possible substitute for surplus crops and as a rotation crop. In art.2, paragraph 2, the law also recognizes "food" among the products that can be obtained from the cultivation of hemp, as long as they are "varieties permitted and registered in the Common Catalogue of varieties of agricultural plant species". The law referred to a subsequent decree of the Ministry of Health in order to specify the maximum limits of THC permitted in derived foods.
The subsequent decree of the Ministry of Health was adopted on 04/11/2019 " Definition of maximum levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in foods ". Annex 1 of the decree defines which foods are derived from hemp by limiting itself to listing: "seeds, flour obtained from seeds, oil obtained from seeds". No limits are established for all other possible foods that can be derived (even from other parts of the plant such as leaves and flowers), such as herbal teas, alcoholic or non-alcoholic flavored drinks. Annex 2 of the decree defines the maximum limits of THC in the following foods: For hemp seeds, flour and supplements, a limit of 2 milligrams per kg is foreseen; for hemp oil obtained by cold pressing the seeds, the limit is 5 milligrams per kg. As regards CBD , at the moment in Italy no regulatory legislation has been adopted while CBD itself has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a non-harmful compound.
With EC Regulation 1234/2007 of 22 October 2007 “Common organisation of agricultural markets and specific provisions for certain agricultural products”, Europe has recognised, for the first time, in the list of regulated products, in addition to fibres, also hemp seeds, even crushed, other than those intended for sowing, setting the THC limit for the import of raw hemp at 0.2%. From 1 January 2023, the new Regulation (EU) 2022/1393 on THC limits in food has been in force throughout Europe, which has modified the limit, bringing it from 0.2% to 0.3% .
The properties
At the food level, hemp seeds are mainly used.
Hemp Seed or Hemp fruit contains proteins (about 20-25%) and oil (30-40%). The proteins contained in the seed have a high biological value as they contain all eight essential amino acids . Essential amino acids are used to restore and maintain muscle tone and mass, improve cognitive function and increase immune defenses. The oil contained in the hemp seed is rich in essential fatty acids such as Omega 3 and Omega 6 , fats useful for preventing diseases of our cardiovascular system . In fact, fatty acids lower the concentration of cholesterol in the blood and reduce plasma levels of triglycerides providing an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
Furthermore, hemp is a precious source of vitamins such as E and A and B vitamins (B1 and B2).
Finally, Hemp Seeds are a source of potassium and phosphorus .
In short, a seed rich in properties suitable for anyone who wants to follow a healthy diet.
The products
The Hemp Seed has the shape of a small grain (about 3-5 mm in diameter) and presents itself to the palate with a soft consistency and a pleasantly almondy aftertaste.
In our diet the seed is mainly consumed hulled and can be used in the preparation of soups, salads, added to yogurt, to decorate desserts, as a condiment, in fruit salads and in muesli .
From the Seed, as we have already highlighted, we obtain Hemp Seed Oil and Hemp Seed Flour .
Oil is a concentrate of properties. In cooking, it is used for raw dressings of salads and preparations (sauces, pestos, croutons, etc. ). The WHO recommends taking a spoonful a day as it is sufficient to satisfy our needs for antioxidants.
By cold grinding the seed, a dark green flour with a vaguely nutty taste is obtained. Naturally gluten-free , it is also suitable for celiacs. In cooking, the flour should not be used "pure" but mixed with other flours ( proportion from 10 to 25% ). In addition to the properties we have described above, hemp seed flour makes foods more digestible , provides an important nutraceutical contribution and makes the dough more appetizing and tempting.
With flour you can prepare pasta, bread, breadsticks, pizza, biscuits, crepes, cakes, muffins, pancakes, energy bars, etc.
If you also want to follow a healthy diet, you can find the best Hemp products made in Tuscany on www.tuscanyhemp.com . In the Food & Drink Collection , in fact, there are Hemp Pasta, Hemp Seed Flour, Hemp Seed Oil, Hulled Seeds and preparations such as Sauces, Pestos, Biscuits and many other genuine, nutritious and Made in Tuscany products.