So let’s get the facts straight: hemp comes from the cannabis sativa plant, as does marijuana. Despite being from a different subspecies of the sativa, being harvested differently and containing only trace amounts of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical found in marijuana, hemp has been outlawed by many countries under regulations meant to control marijuana cultivation and use.

Which is a shame, because hemp has a variety of environmental benefits, makes strong and supple fabrics and – as far as Bite is concerned – is yummy.

But fear not: with a bit of legwork, there are hemp foods to be found in Belgium. Production remains outlawed here, so the products must be imported. You may find hemp oil at your local supermarket (Delhaize stocks it), but you’ll find little else in the hemp arena.

Germany permits hemp cultivation; as a result, German company hanf & natur is Europe’s largest hemp food producer. The widest selection of their products can be found at Leuven’s Hempmade, although it remains a small selection amongst the store’s much more extensive clothing lines.

Nonetheless, you’ll find a range of products here to complement your pantry. Hemp has a nutty flavour that reminds me a bit of pumpkin seed; it’s very light and pleasant. Hemp oil can be used in place of any other cooking or salad oil. Their Canyu sauce stands in for soy sauce. The hanf & natur product line includes hemp pastas, flour, muesli, chocolates and teas with a variety of flavours.

Hempmade, located on Diestsestraat, not far from the city’s train station, also carries plain shelled and unshelled hemp seeds; these can be tossed into any dish where you would otherwise use pumpkin or sunflower seeds, or eaten alone as a snack. Hanf & natur helps you along in that regard, offering several (slightly addictive) salty, sweet and spicy flavours.

If the promise of trying a new flavour isn’t enough to intrigue you, let’s try the health route: hemp is a frequent recipient of “super food” claims. Hemp is high in protein and has those omega fatty acids that are the hot buzz-word in food marketing these days. Moreover, hanf & natur is certified by Bioland, Germany’s largest organic farmers’ association.

Which means that the only real problem with hemp is how hard it is to find.

www.hempmade.be

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