Welcome to MettaPuff. We’re excited to be embarking on a new journey (well, not exactly new as the hemp plant has been around for quite a while) – nonetheless, it is exciting to be embarking on a new adventure that explores the possibilities surrounding this plant and its active compounds.
Lets not forget that the hemp plant (also called industrial hemp) originated in Central Asia. Hemp cultivation for fibre was recorded China in as early as 2800 BCE and was practiced in the Mediterranean countries of Europe early in the Christian era, spreading throughout the rest of Europe during the middle ages. It was planted in Chile in the 1500s and a century later in North America.
One of the reason for its widespread cultivation is because the plant also provides fibres which are strong and robust, making it suitable for use as cordage (like a rope or yarn), and heavy duty enough to be made into bags not unlike canvas. They also can be produced to be textile-like so that items such as clothing and even shoes can be made out of them.
Hemp can also be used as an alternative to wood pulp in some instances; it is frequently used in paper making and is a sustainable alternative to fibreglass insulation in buildings.
What is causing such a stir, though, throughout the world is not the by products that we mentioned just now. It is more of the oilseed – and we’ll explore more of this to come. The edible seeds contain about 30 percent oil and are a source of protein, fibre, and magnesium. Shelled hemp seeds, sometimes called hemp hearts, are sold as a health food and may be eaten raw; they are commonly sprinkled on salads or blended with fruit smoothies. Hemp seed milk is used as an alternative to dairy milk in drinks and recipes. The oil obtained from hemp seed can be used to make paints, varnishes, soaps, and edible oil with a low smoke point.