Hemp is a unique plant that has been used for thousands of years to make everything from clothing and rope to fuel and medicine. In the quest to exploit the whole plant, we are increasingly seeing hemp flour. But what is hemp flour? Why is it better than ordinary wheat flour? And how to make great pancakes or brownies with it? In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about hemp flour, from its rich health benefits to its most interesting uses.

What is hemp flour?

Hemp flour is made from raw hemp seeds after they have been cold-pressed with hemp oil. After the oil has been pressed out of the hemp seeds, so-called hemp pomace is produced. These are then gently ground to produce a nutrient-rich hemp flour. It is therefore a natural food that is highly valued for its rich nutritional value and health benefits, especially compared to traditional wheat flour. The resulting flour can then be used in a variety of recipes that call for wheat flour.

Nutritional values of hemp flour

The nutritional values of hemp flour make it one of the highest quality and healthiest flours on the market. Hemp flour contains more protein than wheat flour. The protein content is approximately 33%, making it a suitable raw material for recipes. In addition, it contains more than 26 % fibre (compared to 0,61 % fibre in wheat flour). One tablespoon of hemp flour is enough to meet about 60 % of your daily fibre needs.

Hemp flour is gluten-free, making it a safe choice for people suffering from gluten problems such as celiac disease.

The many nutrients that hemp flour contains in high amounts are among the list of nutrients and minerals that people are most deficient in. The following nutrients are found in hemp flour :

Hemp protein vs. hemp flour: How do they differ?

The difference between hemp protein and hemp flour is very simple. Hemp protein is created by additional processing that removes much of the fibre while increasing the protein content. Hemp flour is a completely different product to hemp protein. Hemp flour thus contains much more fibre and less protein, making it a great ingredient for baking. Hemp protein, on the other hand, is softer and is great for making protein shakes or smoothies.

Using hemp flour

Hemp flour has a wide range of uses and can be added to any baking recipe to create a product with a better nutritional composition. Although hemp flour does not ferment and is therefore not a full substitute for all flours, it is recommended to experiment with different proportions of hemp flour and other flours when preparing dishes. In some recipes, hemp flour can be used as an almost 100% substitute for the original wheat flour, while in other recipes it is better touse only 30% hemp flour. In any case, hemp flour has a wide range of uses in baking and contributes to the production of final products with a higher protein and nutrient content. Hemp flour usually has an earthy, nutty flavour and a very dense and granular texture similar to corn flour.

If you don't know how to use hemp flour, here are some interesting tips:

  • Hemp flour can be used as a thickener in soups and sauces.
  • Add a few teaspoons of hemp flour as a protein source in protein shakes. So you can use hemp flour instead of hemp protein powder.
  • Some of the most popular uses for hemp flour include baked goods and desserts. Try making cookies, muffins and cakes or pizza dough.
  • You can also use hemp flour to make pancakes and waffles.

Hemp flour recipes worth trying

Below are some tasty hemp flour recipes that you should definitely try.

Hemp flour pancakes

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup hemp flour
  • 1 cup wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon melted coconut oil
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons honey

Procedure:

  1. Mix flour, salt, coconut milk, oil, honey, salt and baking powder in a bowl.
  2. Fry the pancakes in a frying pan greased with butter or coconut oil.
  3. Fry until air bubbles form on the surface, then flip the pancake and fry until browned.
  4. Then just garnish and serve.

Hemp brownies

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup hemp flour
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • ¼ cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup butter
  • 3 teaspoons honey

Procedure:

  1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Line a baking tin (25 x 30 cm) with baking paper.
  3. Pour the mixture into the tin, place in an oven preheated to 175 °C and bake for 25 minutes.

Why use hemp flour?

Hemp flour is a nutritious superfood with many health benefits. It is an excellent alternative to regular wheat flour and fits perfectly into your diet. You can preparemany gluten-free recipes with hemp flour. Lovers of sweet and savoury desserts or pastries will surely find it to their liking.

Do you want to include healthy hemp products in your diet? You can order them in our e-shop! Try hemp protein, hemp pasta or hemp butter.