About Milk…

In an era where sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity, every small step we take towards a greener planet counts immensely. One such step is rethinking our daily consumption habits, particularly when it comes to products like milk. While plant-based milk options have soared in popularity, their packaging—often Tetra Pak—presents a significant environmental challenge, especially in places like Australia where recycling facilities for such materials are limited.

Tetra Pak, though innovative in extending the shelf life of perishable goods without the need for refrigeration or preservatives, is notoriously difficult to recycle. This is due to its multi-layered construction, which combines paper, plastic, and aluminium. In Australia, the recycling infrastructure for such complex packaging is not yet widespread, leading to a substantial amount of waste ending up in landfills each year.

Sometimes it’s unavoidable, we get that, and we’re still happy to stock and sell Hemp Milk as it’s presented to the consumer today. However, with sustainability at the centre of our vision, we also want you to be equipped with everything you need to make the best choice.

Homemade hemp milk offers a creamy, delicious alternative to store-bought plant milks, and is, in our opinion, the easiest plant based milk to make at home.

Check it out:

Hemp Milk Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup hulled hemp seeds (also known as hemp hearts)
• 4 cups filtered water
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavour)
• A pinch of salt (to enhance flavour)

Equipment:

• Blender
• Nut milk bag or a fine mesh strainer
• Large bowl
• Bottle or jar for storage

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you prefer your hemp milk to be slightly sweet, have your maple syrup or agave syrup ready. The vanilla extract will add a lovely aroma and depth to the flavor profile, while a pinch of salt will enhance the overall taste.
2. Blending: In a high-speed blender, combine the hulled hemp seeds and filtered water. Blend on high for about 1 minute or until the mixture appears well combined and creamy. The beauty of hemp seeds is that they blend smoothly, eliminating the need for straining for some preferences. However, for an ultra-smooth milk, you might still want to strain it.
3. Sweetening and Flavouring: Once blended, add the maple syrup or agave syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend again briefly to combine all the flavours evenly.
4. Straining (Optional): For a smoother texture, pour the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. Gently squeeze or press to extract as much liquid as possible. If you prefer a more rustic, full-bodied texture, you might skip this step.
5. Storage: Transfer the hemp milk into a clean bottle or jar and secure the lid. Your fresh, homemade hemp milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Remember to shake well before each use, as natural separation may occur.

Serving Suggestions:

• Enjoy a glass of chilled hemp milk as a refreshing drink.
• Use it in your morning cereal or granola.
• Blend it into smoothies for an added nutritional boost.
• It’s a fantastic dairy alternative for coffee and tea.

Nutritional Highlights:

Hemp seeds are a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in essential fatty acids, protein, and various minerals. By choosing hemp milk, you’re not only making a vegan-friendly choice but also supporting sustainable agriculture practices that are gentler on our planet.

Environmental Note:

Hemp cultivation is known for its low water requirement, carbon sequestration capabilities, and the ability to rejuvenate the soil, making it a sustainable crop that benefits the environment. By incorporating hemp-based products like this hemp milk into your diet, you’re contributing to a healthier planet.

Enjoy your homemade hemp milk, and remember, every small step towards a more sustainable lifestyle makes a significant impact on our planet’s health.

We want to give  a big shout out to our customer Tanja for bringing the Tetra Pak issue to us, inspiring the spread of information and awareness!

Keep it Hempy for the planet people!