Researchers are currently actively exploring the possibility of a new source of income for hemp growers. While hemp is already closely associated with the cultivation of grains, fibers, and flowers, its young shoots are now being tested as part of a new vegetable crop.
Hemp: The Food of the Future for Our Salads?
According to researchers at the University of Arizona, young hemp shoots have every chance of becoming the next superfood in our salads.
Mr. Masson, a farmer living in Arizona, has begun planting 17 different varieties of hemp grains and fibers in the Yuma test fields, and he harvests the hemp leaves about every 18 days. According to him, young hemp shoots grow as quickly as weeds. His crop even ended up flowering, which allowed him to partially eliminate the bitter taste of the hemp leaves!
Although studies on this topic are still ongoing, it also appears that young hemp shoots have significant nutritional value. “When you eat them, they’re very dense,” Mr. Masson explains, referring to the young hemp shoots. “You can feel the fibers moving through you; even though they’re pleasant and tender, they’re still very high in fiber.”
Taste Tests
Out of a total of 17 varieties tested by a panel of 89 volunteers, five of them stood out in particular for their taste.
Mr. Masson explains that consumers were particularly enthusiastic about the young hemp shoots with their minty and fruity flavors, which also have floral notes. If you’d like to explore this rich variety of terroirs for yourself, our“CBD Flower of the Month”introduces you to a new, limited-edition gem each month, selected by our experts for the originality and subtlety of its aromas. Furthermore, the crispness of hemp has been described as similar to that of green cabbage.
Consumers noted that, in their opinion, hemp had more of a “peach fuzz” texture than other green vegetables. On a scale of 1 to 5, it scored 3.3, which places it right in the middle. Test participants did, however, specify that they preferred the taste of hemp to that of green cabbage.
Toward Future Competition?
During Mr. Masson’s trials, the young hemp shoots sprouted quickly. In fact, they grew faster than young leafy spinach, even though the planting density for spinach is 3 million seeds per acre!
With such a high density, hemp growers might worry about potential competition for seed supplies, especially since this type of seed is relatively expensive.
Nevertheless, Mr. Masson remains confident, especially since hemp is currently all the rage. He explained that he is working with local seed producers to build up his seed stock. Based on his tests and consumer feedback, he is convinced that hemp cultivation has every chance of becoming iconic, and that its young shoots will sell like hotcakes!
