Should hemp hearts be organic? (Organic vs. Natural hemp)

 

Organic or natural. The two words sound similar, but they’re not interchangeable. Learn the difference between natural and organic hemp hearts, and see why they’re becoming more and more popular in American pantries.  

What are organic hemp hearts?

Hemp hearts are a soft, chewy and slightly nutty-flavored superfood. They come from the industrial hemp plant which is often misunderstood or considered to be marijuana. 

Hemp hearts are shelled or hulled hemp seeds. Think in terms of a sunflower seed, the hard outer shell is removed and what remains is the soft inner seed; in the hemp world, that’s called a hemp heart.  

A small, but mighty seed, hemp hearts contain all 20 amino acids—including the nine essential amino acids. Hemp hearts are jam-packed with vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium and potassium. A complete plant-based protein with zero net carbs, our hemp hearts are shelf-stable, non-GMO and gluten free. 

What do hemp hearts taste like? Think a sunflower seed and pine nut had a superbaby = shelled hemp seed. 

Where does organic hemp come from? 

Deemed as one of the world’s most wholesome plants, organic hemp come from seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. Seeds from this particular species of an industrial hemp plant contain a perfect 3:1 balance of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids, which is why they’re such a fan favorite. 

We source and shell raw hemp seeds from small and mid-size industrial hemp farmers in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin to create our delicious bags of hemp hearts. 

Do hemp seeds contain THC or CBD? 

Organic or natural, shelled or not, Humming Hemp’s Spicy hemp hearts or or Naked hemp hearts, hemp seeds do not contain THC or CBD. 

Why? Because it is the hemp seed and the seed of the industrial hemp plant is free from cannabinoids THC and CBD which are found in the stocks and leaves of the industrial hemp plant. Industrial hemp plants being defined as a cannabis sativa plant that contains 0.3% or less THC. 

 

 

Should hemp hearts be organically grown? 

Today, organic goods are not a new concept to consumers. In fact, many shoppers opt to pay a little extra for organic knowing their purchases were thoughtfully cultivated. So, it’s only natural to wonder if hemp hearts should be organically grown. 

Our response? Yes and no. We support organic, 100%. But our hemp hearts aren’t organic…yet. Before you stop reading, here’s why. 

What is the difference between organic and natural hemp? 

The difference between organic and natural (or conventional)  hemp comes down (literally) to one thing—soil. Simply put, organic soil must be free of synthetic fertilizer and pesticides for three years before it can be certified organic.

Organic or not, hemp is clean naturally—requiring no herbicides or pesticides in the growing process.But hemp’s superpowers just start there - industrial hemp is a regenerative crop which means it actually cleans the soil it’s planted in, naturally. What a wonder plant!  

 

[Humming Hemp Founder and CEO, Hilary Kelsay in a field of industrial hemp in Walla Walla, Wa] 

 

Why doesn’t Humming Hemp source organic hemp?

At Humming Hemp, we’re committed to supporting small and mid-size industrial hemp farmers in the US first and foremost. And that means waiting a bit for an organic hemp crop. 

Why? For crops to be deemed “organic,” there’s a three-year crop rotation in the soil that needs to happen. Until then, we run extensive third-party testing to make sure our products are free from toxins, chemicals and glyphosate. 

Do Humming Hemp hearts have a cute little organic badge on the front of the bag, no. But rest assured our hemp is grown naturally organic and is  free and clear of anything harmful. 

What should I consider when buying hemp?

As with any product, there are a few things you should consider when buying hemp. 

First, understand where the hemp is grown. Hemp that’s certified from American soil is a good way to know that it’s cleanly cultivated. 

Next, consider what type of hemp you should buy. Hemp comes in many forms, but it’s most nutritious in its natural form including hemp hearts, hemp oil, hemp powder and our Certified R.A.W./C.L.E.A.N hummingbars. 

Finally, consider the taste. Not all hemp is created equal. Make sure you get hemp that has a slightly-nutty flavor and rich in Omega fatty acids. 

Is organic hemp worth the cost?

As one of the best superfoods out there, hemp is worth the hype. No matter your diet, this protein-packed powerhouse is loaded with the nutrients and vitamins your body needs to stay healthy. While hemp is still fairly new to the US, only being able to produce since 2014, costs will continue going down as more and more farmers plant the crop. 

How much hemp is grown in the US?

In 2018, a Farm Bill was passed to legalize the production and cultivation of industrial hemp plants. Industrial hemp plants being defined as a cannabis sativa plant that contains 0.3% or less THC. In the year following that bill, US farmers more than quadrupled land planted with hemp from 27K acres to 128K acres. In 2018, only five states had 1K+ acres of hemp planted. Today, that number is up to 21 states. 

Where can I buy US grown hemp hearts?

At humminghemp, we’re focused on bringing US grown hemp hearts into the pantries of every home. Working with American farmers, we take their nutrient-rich crop and transform it into delicious and convenient products, including hemp hearts, hummingbars and hemp oil. 

Whether you add it to smoothies, drizzle it on salad or take it with you on-the-go, each of our products is made with clean and natural American grown hemp. 

Purchase online at humminghemp.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com or find at a store near you using our store locator.