Vegan and gluten-free, hemp is an ideal, non-dairy alternative for vegetarian, vegan and raw diets or anyone with soy or dairy allergies. Hemp is not only one of the most wholesome sources of plant-based protein, it’s also a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. It’s powerful nutrition that anyone can enjoy for good health.
HOW DO YOU GET ‘WHOLE’ NUTRITION FROM A PLANT?
Well, we start with hemp seeds. Hemp seeds are the edible part of the industrial hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L). These tiny, round seeds have a light nutty flavor and are about the size of a sesame seed. Shelled hemp seeds can be pressed for oil, milled into protein powder, roasted or shelled and made into hemp foods.THE “GOOD FATS”
The major components of fat are long-chain molecules known as fatty acids. The two fatty acids that the body does not produce are Omega-3 Linolenic Acid and Omega-6 Linoleic Acid. We need to get these “good fats” from food, which is why they are called essential. Hemp seeds contain the perfect 1:3 balance of Omega-3 to Omega-6, which the body needs for optimal skin health, energy production, nervous system function, brain development, heart health, and immune system support.NATURALLY OCCURING SUPER OMEGAS
Hemp also contains the naturally-occurring Super Omegas Stearidonic Acid (SDA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) which help the body convert the benefits of Omega-3 & Omega-6 EFA’s more efficiently. Due to factors like age, genetics, diet and lifestyle, we don’t all process these good fats the same way. SDA and GLA help everyone maximize the benefits of Omega EFA’s. You know you’re getting a good thing from hemp seeds – SDA and GLA are not found in flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, soybeans, pumpkin seeds, canola, corn, almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts.WHOLE, PLANT-BASED PROTEIN
Hemp seeds are also one of the plant kingdom’s best sources of easily digestible, high-quality protein. Protein helps build and repair tissue and build lean muscle mass. Unlike soy, hemp does not contain enzyme inhibitors and phytates, so the nutrients in hemp can be easily absorbed by the body.ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS
Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids necessary to maintain healthy human life. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and play a key role in the development of lean body mass and muscular repair. Dietary protein is needed to supply amino acids for our body’s growth and maintenance.ALL THESE BENEFITS AND ALLERGEN-FREE!
Hemp has no known allergens. Hemp seeds do not contain the allergy causing components found in soy, dairy, or tree-nuts.* Tempt™ products are also vegan, gluten free and kosher.
I’m no stranger to making a tofu scramble. It’s a staple around here. But yesterday I tried something completely different: Hemp Tofu (see below).
Let me begin by saying that I love soy (like so much that one of my clients is The Soyfoods Council). The soybean is the highest protein legume and it’s so good for a plant-based diet! I’m particularly fond of tofu, tempeh, edamame, miso, TVP (textured vegetable protein) …and soy curls!
Because my love for tofu is so strong, I’m always intrigued by alternatives. For instance, my local friends Danny and Adam have created Lambert’s Black Bean Tofu (which you can find on the menu at Coquette’s Bistro in downtown Colorado Springs). And one day while shopping without a grocery list (uh oh) I grabbed a package of this.
Which I promptly tossed in the freezer because I had no idea how to use it.
Cut to yesterday. Day two of a very busy vegan weekend. I wanted to have a big, hearty breakfast to power me through the pop-up market, only to discover I had no traditional tofu on hand. So I quickly thawed the Tempt hemp tofu – still in the package – in a bowl of hot water (only took 15 minutes!) and then tossed it into a tofu scramble. Pure joy!
My Hemp Tofu Scramble:
- I sauteed onion, carrot and celery (about a cup each) in extra virgin olive oil on medium-high in a cast iron skillet. I sprinkled about 1/2 teaspoon turmeric and 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder over the veggies.
- After about five minutes I added the hemp tofu, crumbling with my spoon. I continued to saute for another five minutes.
- In the final minutes I added a cup of chopped mushrooms (any kind will do) and two tablespoons of nutritional yeast. (I didn’t add salt because the hemp tofu was lightly seasoned.)
- I served it with fresh ground pepper, toast and juicy slices of tomato.
I really love the hemp tofu and plan to keep it on hand, along with black bean, and, yes, SOY tofu, as well!
For more on tofu scrambles, check out this short video:
And for more on hemp, here’s some info from the Tempt site:
Hemp Benefits
2 thoughts on “Meatless Monday: Hemp Tofu Scramble”
Comments are closed.
I tried is as taco filling, and it was PERFECT. That’ll be my go-to taco from now on. The crumbliness is perfect – you gotta try it!
Such a great idea, @sayward:disqus! I’m definitely going to use this in tacos! Thanks!