Why hemp on the menu makes sense

LESS than a year after hemp was legalised as a food in Australia, locally processed seed and oils are becoming prevalent in commercial kitchens.

Newtown-based company Australian Primary Hemp has struck deals with several cafes, supplying them with de-hulled hemp seed, coldpressed hemp oil and hemp protein powders.

Among the venues are King of the Castle, Feast Geelong and Box Office.

The firm worked with more than 10 farmers across the Western District, whose 700ha of hemp were harvested and then processed in Geelong.

The hemp industry received legal approval to make commercially available food products last November, opening up a range of new opportunities.

“Seeing so many businesses, especially cafes, incorporating hemp into their menus or selling it in their stores is just fantastic,” Australian Primary Hemp director Skye Patterson said.

“It really sets Geelong apart from other places.”

Recently opened Sodi Cafe and Tapas on Pakington St is another advocate of the coldpressed hemp oil.

“Our customers have been very receptive to our ‘Mary Jane’ smoothie and we have received plenty of great feedback,” owner Hayley McCully said.

Hemp is rich in essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6.

Local clinic Shannon Avenue Chiropractic has also started using the company’s products to suppress inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The clinic and Australian Primary Hemp have teamed up to host Geelong’s first free Hemp Info forum.

“A lot more education is still needed to teach people about the incredible nutritional benefits,” Ms Patterson said.

The event will discuss the nutritional and chiropractic benefits of hemp, and how to use hemp in cooking.

It will be held on Monday night at the Geelong Small Business Hive in Gheringhap St from 6pm.