The Many Faces of Hemp

Long-taboo crop may benefit body, mind and spirit—and Indiana agriculture

words: Nicole Rasul | photography: Candice Connor

One of the first domesticated crops, hemp is a powerhouse plant prized for its nutritious seed, its strong fiber and its extracted cannabidiol (CBD) oil, which is purported to have many health-supporting effects. In recent history, hemp has struggled under a case of mistaken identity due to common confusion with its botanical cousin, marijuana (see Edible Indy’s Spring 2019 issue). Yet with the federal legalization of hemp under the 2018 Farm Bill, or the U.S. Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, Americans are busy rediscovering this plant and its impressive myriad uses.

A Vegan Superfood

“Hemp seed is arguably a superfood,” says Erica McBride Stark, executive director of the National Hemp Association. The Pennsylvania farmer and American hemp industry advocate refers to hemp seed, the fruit or nut of the plant, as “the most nutritious seed on earth.”

The seed is generally hulled into what the industry calls “hemp hearts.” The seed’s hard exterior shell is removed, leaving a chewy, edible interior that features a mild, nutty flavor and has the appearance of a processed nut. A favorite for sprinkling on salads, yogurt or adding to smoothies, hemp hearts can also be used as a base for granola, energy bars, crackers and bread, amongst a range of other culinary options. The seed can be further milled into a powder.

Nearly 100% digestible, the vegetable protein is high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as amino acids, fiber and many vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron.

“For people looking for clean sources of protein—not animals—hemp is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and nutrients,” says Matt Alvord, says vice president of Foods Alive, a family-owned company based in Angola, Indiana, that sells gourmet, organic, whole-food products to grocers across the country.

“We’ve seen the sales of our hemp products increase every year,” Alvord says. “We are seeing demand for hemp-based products from not only natural food stores but also from mainstream grocers.” According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2019 “What’s Hot Culinary Forecast,” 77% of the 650 professional chefs surveyed this year said that “cannabis/CBDinfused drinks” will be the top culinary trend of the year. In addition, 76% of respondents anticipate that “cannabis/CBD-infused food” will be the second-most-popular industry trend of 2019.

Opposite: Asian Ginger Superfood Dressing with Hemp Oil Hemp Hearts FoodsAlive.com

Rosemary Hemp Flaxseed Crackers FoodsAlive.com

The company imports most of the hemp components it uses in its product line from Canada, where hemp cultivation has been legal since 1998. Foods Alive has recently also purchased from suppliers in North Dakota. The company would prefer to buy entirely from organic American sources, Alvord says. As a member of the Indiana Hemp Industries Association, a nonprofit trade group devoted to the development of an Indiana hemp industry, Foods Alive hopes to one day purchase from organic hemp growers and processors in Indiana, according to Alvord.

Hemp oil, which is extracted from the seed through a cold press, is a nutritious option, too. You can use it as a finishing oil on salads or drizzled in soup, pasta or rice. Stored in the grocer’s cold case, the green-hued oil has a mild nut-like taste with slight hints of earthiness. Due it its low smoke point, the oil is not suitable for cooking or frying and shouldn’t be heated over 300°F.

Hemp milk, an alternative to animal, soy and nut milks, can also be made from the plant’s hulled seed. Blended with water and then filtered, the milk has a slightly creamy consistency and is a great alternative for consumers facing food allergies.

The Calm in CBD

CBD is one of more than 100 cannabinoids, or chemical compounds, that can be extracted from the cannabis plant. From infused beer and soda to caramels, cookies and ice cream, CBD is popping up on menus and in store aisles across the country. Proponents claim that the compound can provide a range of calming effects without the psychoactive impact caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the ingredient that gives marijuana its kick but is barely present in hemp.

According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2019 “What’s Hot Culinary Forecast,” 77% of the 650 professional chefs surveyed this year said that “cannabis/CBD-infused drinks” will be the top culinary trend of the year. In addition, 76% of respondents anticipate that “cannabis/CBD-infused food” will be the second-most-popular industry trend of 2019.

CBD-infused products have also found a home in the wellness and beauty industries. Though research on the compound is still in its infancy, initial findings have shown that the supplement may help to treat anxiety, chronic pain and inflammation.

At CBD American Shaman Indy, opened in September 2018 in Indianapolis’s Broad Ripple Village, a variety of oils, lotions, bath bombs and candies containing CBD are sold. The shop’s most popular product, CBD oil, is packaged in several formats: as a tincture for use under the tongue, as a water-soluble oil, in a capsule, as an edible or as a liquid to be vaped.

Most customers prefer the watersoluble product, says Kerry Hinkle, the store’s manager, as the product contains an emulsifier that enables the molecules in the oil to bond with water thus allowing better absorption by the body.

“It’s an all-natural way to just feel a little bit better,” Hinkle says. “It’s not an ‘end all, cure all’ but it’s another tool in the tool kit to help you manage your everyday stress and struggles.”

With little regulation in the American CBD market currently, it’s important to research and understand the CBD product one is purchasing to ensure it’s of high quality, Hinkle says. He recommends only purchasing oils labeled “full spectrum,” which denotes that all the plant’s cannabinoids have been extracted

Tempt Brand Hemp Milk Goose the Market

Full Spectrum CBD Oil RootedScales.com and included in the final product.

“In Indiana there must be a QR code on the label of any CBD product,” says Jared Huston, who co-manages The Mill CBD in Carmel, Indiana. “You scan that code and see the lab results of the product. I think that’s great. We were one of the first states to require that code.”

Huston says that The Mill CBD, opened in early 2019, has been warmly welcomed and has already exceeded projected revenue. “Market demand has been amazing,” he says. “We are at a level that we didn’t project for three to six months.”

In the beauty aisle, products made with hemp seed oil are increasingly recognized for their hydrating properties that are complementary to a variety of skin types. Perhaps the most famous of these is Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, a California company founded in the 1940s. The all-natural, organic line contains hemp seed oil and can be used to wash skin and hair or brush teeth, as well as for a host of household cleaning tasks. A bar of the yellow-hued lavender-infused soap smells floral and earthy and leaves the skin feeling clean, invigorated and refreshed.

Visit EdibleIndy.com for our story about FlexForm Technologies in Elkhart, Indiana, and how they have used natural fibers, including hemp, to build composite materials for the automotive, aircraft and office industries.

Nicole Rasul writes about food and agriculture. Follow her on Twitter @rasulwrites or view her writing online at NicoleRasul.com.

EAT, DRINK & SHOP LOCAL GUIDE

Local food builds communities. It builds bridges, forges relationships and nourishes our understanding of its importance. Our Indiana food scene is created by those who are passionate and dedicated to supporting and increasing the supply of local sustainable goods, products and services.

Edible Indy believes in this way of life. We believe in partnering with growers, producers and artisans to celebrate the bounty of all things local. Our readers and followers care deeply about understanding where the products they purchase come from and how their support of local food makes a difference one dollar at a time.

We have partnered with these local businesses in an effort to share their dedication to local with those who want to join us in this way of life.

78%

of our readers use this guide as a resource for eating local.

Find out how your business could benefit from a partnership with Edible Indy. Contact sales@edibleindy.com AUBERGE

Located at The Brick Street Inn, right on the bricks of Main Street in Zionsville. A relaxed, elegant setting for modern French cuisine. Seasonal local ingredients, extensive French wine list, local craft beers, seasonal cocktail menu. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Enjoy family nights or date nights on the sought-after terrace or in the cozy dining room. 175 S. Main St. | Zionsville Auberge-Restaurant.com

GOODS FOR COOKS

Offering kitchenware, gifts and fine foods, this Bloomington staple will empower you in the kitchen. Celebrating 46 years of connecting people to their food. 115 N. College Ave., Bloomington GoodsForCooks.com

REDUX

A casual contemporary restaurant and wine bar with a convenient location on the Northeast side of Carmel. Our farm-to-table menu features “New American Cuisine” dishes presented with a flare and local seasonal ingredients. Choose from 40+ wines from around the world or one of our many craft brews. 14560 River Rd. | Carmel reduxrestaurant.com

BRIDGES WINE BAR

Handcrafted Neapolitan-style pizzas, scratch-made pasta and bread, farm-to-table specialties and a spectacular selection of craft cocktails and international wines. A destination worth the drive. 19 N. Indiana | Greencastle BridgesWineBar.com

HARRY & IZZY’S

We’re proud to keep it local! Three restaurants sourcing locally from 10 regional farms, four breweries and seven locally owned purveyors or producers leads to one great meal. Downtown Indianapolis 153 S. Illinois St. Northside Indianapolis 4050 E. 82nd St. Indianapolis Airport 7800 Col. Weir Cook Memorial Dr. HarryAndIzzys.com

ROOSTER’S KITCHEN

Our kitchen menu changes seasonally with the local producers while keeping the staples. Mama’s brisket, mac-n-cheese and fresh crisp pork rinds hit the spot. 888 Massachusetts Ave. Indianapolis RoostersIndy.com

BURGER STUDY

Expand your perception of what a burger can be at this premium, fullservice burger restaurant and bar. We are locally owned and pride ourselves on serving premium burgers crafted from the bestquality Midwest prime beef and other locally sourced ingredients. We feature craft cocktails, beer and wine. 28 W. Georgia St. | Indianapolis BurgerStudy.com

THE LOFT

Dine at a true farmstead restaurant, located inside a beautiful historic barn on an organic dairy farm. Food grown and raised on-site takes center place on organic menus shaped by seasonal rhythms. Open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. 9101 Moore Rd. | Zionsville TradersPointCreamery.com

FOLIE

French-inspired New American fine-dining restaurant located in downtown Lafayette. Offering inventive cocktails, well-curated wine list and exquisite cuisine for a beautiful dining experience. 526 Main St. | Lafayette FolieRestaurant.com

MERCANTILE 37

Featuring a mix of local and vintage home décor from a collective of 50+ local makers. Shop lighting, tables, furniture, vintage accents, local home décor, apothecary and jewelry. Wheelers Café and Market at Mercantile 37 is open for breakfast and lunch offering a simple, rotating menu of locally sourced coffee, pastries, sandwiches and more. We also offer a local farm produce and dry goods market. 25625 St. Rd. 37 N. | Noblesville Mercantile37.com

FARM-BLOOMINGTON

This award-winning original creates gastronomical dishes for brunch, lunch and dinner based on the seasonality of Southern Indiana ingredients. The restaurant includes FARMbar, the Root Cellar Lounge and they promote sustainability and being green. 108 E. Kirkwood Ave. Bloomington Farm-Bloomington.com

grill house & oyster bar

NOAH GRANT’S

A grillhouse and oyster bar located on the bricks of Main St. in Zionsville. The kitchen and bar open at 4pm Tuesday–Sunday. The restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, certified angus beef and fresh oysters from the East and West coasts. Reservations recommended. 91 S. Main St. | Zionsville NoahGrants.com

SALTY COWBOY

A Tex-Mex inspired taco and tequila bar focusing on daily made fresh ingredients complimenting smoked BBQ meat. Best known for tableside guacamole, streetstyled tacos and our giant nachos. Featuring 50+ tequilas and freshly squeezed margaritas. 55 E Oak St. | Zionsville SaltyCowboyTequileria.com

ST. ELMO STEAK HOUSE

A big thank you to our local partners! As a locally owned business for over 110 years we take great pride in our local business relationships. Cheers to independent businesses! 127 S. Illinois St. | Indianapolis StElmos.com

TABLE

From a store full of fresh, seasonal foods and a team of chefs and culinary experts comes a celebration of food called Table by Market District—a restaurant that brings passion for food right to your plate. Open daily for lunch & dinner, as well as brunch every Sunday. 11505 N. Illinois St. | Carmel MarketDistrict.com/Table

THE GARDEN TABLE

A local Indianapolis eatery and fresh juicery serving seasonally influenced and locally sourced food and cold-pressed juice. We believe in simple dishes made from natural ingredients, grown and harvested by local farmers. 342 Massachusetts Ave., #100 Indianapolis 908 E. Westfield Blvd. Indianapolis TheGardenTable.com

OLD GOLD BARBECUE

Old Gold Barbecue makes its debut in Indiana at Metazoa Brewing Co. Slow-smoked prime meats and Texas-styled sides served ‘til sold out. Come get a brew with your cue! Follow us on instagram @ogbbq for the latest details. Located inside Metazoa Brewing Co. 140 S. College Ave. | Indianapolis OldGoldBarbecue.com

TAPHOUSE BURGERS

Bringing you locally sourced burgers, old-fashioned milk shakes and craft beer and cocktails in a convenient downtown Greencastle location. This chef-driven restaurant is owned and operated by the Bridges Group and supports local producers, farmers and beverage makers. 24 S. Indiana St. | Greencastle TapHouseBurgers.com