Hemp Seeds
Cannabis sativa L. · industriele hennep · hemp seeds
Hemp Seeds: what every chef needs to know
Hemp seeds are the seeds of the industrial hemp plant and have been used as a food source for millennia. In the EU cultivation of industrial hemp is permitted provided the THC content in the dry matter of the plant does not exceed 0.2% (EU Regulation 1307/2013). Hemp seeds themselves contain virtually no THC: the psychoactive compound concentrates in the flowers and leaves, not in the seeds. EFSA confirmed in 2015 that cannabidiol (CBD) in hemp seeds is negligible and that hemp seeds are safe as a food. The nutritional profile of hemp seeds is remarkable: they provide a complete amino acid profile including all nine essential amino acids, which is rare for plant-based protein sources. The fat profile is favourable: the omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio is 3:1, considered ideal for human health. Hemp seeds contain both linoleic acid (omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), both essential. Hemp hearts (hulled hemp seeds) are easier to digest than unhulled seeds and have a mild, lightly nutty flavour. Cold-pressed hemp seed oil has a low smoke point of 165°C/329°F and is exclusively suitable for cold applications such as dressings and smoothies. Heating above 165°C/329°F damages the healthy fatty acids and is culinarily undesirable.
Hemp Seeds: nutritional values per 100g
Based on unprocessed product. Source: USDA FoodData Central / NEVO 2023 — the Dutch food composition database, managed by RIVM and Wageningen University.
Nutritional values are indicative for unprocessed raw materials. Preparation method, variety and origin may affect values. Source: USDA FoodData Central / NEVO 2023.
Hemp Seeds: classic dishes
Proven preparations from the professional kitchen — from haute cuisine to global restaurant classics. Use as inspiration for menu development and recipe costing.
Hemp Seeds: preparation techniques
Exact temperatures and times for HACCP compliance. Core temperature is leading for poultry and pork.
Scatter hemp hearts directly over smoothie bowls, salads, or granola. No preparation required. The mild nutty flavour complements many dishes without overpowering them.
Dry frying pan or oven at 150°C, keep moving. Produces a deeper nutty aroma. Note: above 165°C the omega-3 fatty acids are damaged. Use a low temperature.
Use a powerful blender or mortar. Hemp seeds produce a smooth paste similar to tahini. Adding lemon and garlic creates a light dip.
Cold-pressed hemp seed oil is produced at a maximum of 40°C to preserve nutritional value. Smoke point 165°C: for cold applications only (dressings, finishing). Never use for deep-frying.
Hemp Seeds: HACCP storage and food safety
Based on Codex Alimentarius (WHO/FAO) and EU Regulation 852/2004. Consult your national authority (NVWA/FDA/FSANZ) for applicable local standards.
Hemp Seeds: global seasonal overview
Availability per climate zone — Northern Europe, Mediterranean and warm climate. Relevant for purchasing planning and international menus.
Dried hemp seeds are available year-round as a dried product. Fresh harvest takes place in August–September in Europe and North America. Industrial hemp cultivation in the Netherlands is permit-required but legal.
Hemp Seeds: EU-14 allergen information
Full overview compliant with EU Regulation 1169/2011 (Annex II). Raw material information — always verify with your supplier for processed products and possible traces.
Raw material information (unprocessed product). Processed products may contain traces. EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex II.
Frequently asked questions about Hemp Seeds
Are hemp seeds legal in the EU?
Yes, industrial hemp seeds are fully legal as a foodstuff in the EU. EU Regulation 1307/2013 permits cultivation of industrial hemp provided the THC content in the dry matter of the plant does not exceed 0.2%. Hemp seeds themselves contain virtually no THC. EFSA has confirmed that hemp seeds are safe as a food.
What is the advantage of the complete amino acid profile of hemp seeds?
Hemp seeds contain all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce itself. This is rare for plant-based protein sources (soya and quinoa are the other well-known exceptions). For vegan and vegetarian menus hemp seeds are therefore a complete protein source without the allergen issues of soya.
Can I use hemp seed oil for frying?
No. Cold-pressed hemp seed oil has a low smoke point of 165°C/329°F and is exclusively suitable for cold applications: dressings, finishing oil, smoothies. Heating above 165°C/329°F damages the valuable omega-3 fatty acids and produces harmful oxidation products. For frying use an oil with a higher smoke point such as sunflower oil or groundnut oil.
At what temperature should you store Hemp Seeds?
Store Hemp Seeds at 0-4°C, compliant with EU Regulation 852/2004 and Codex Alimentarius guidelines.
How do you prepare Hemp Seeds professionally?
The primary professional technique for Hemp Seeds is Raw incorporate (topping) at Room temperature for immediately. Always verify core temperature with a calibrated probe thermometer.
Does Hemp Seeds contain allergens?
Hemp Seeds is free from all 14 EU declarable allergens under EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex II. Always verify with your supplier for processed variants.
Legal disclaimer: For informational purposes only
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Informational character
The information on this page has been compiled exclusively as reference material for professional kitchen staff. KitchenNmbrs does not provide legal, medical or commercial advice. Data on preparation techniques, storage temperatures, HACCP guidelines and allergens is based on publicly available professional sources and applies to the raw ingredient in its unmodified state.
Your responsibility as operator (FBO)
Under EU Regulation 1169/2011 (Food Information Regulation) and EU Regulation 852/2004 (HACCP Hygiene Regulation), the Food Business Operator (FBO) is solely and exclusively responsible for:
- Providing accurate, up-to-date and complete allergen information to the end consumer;
- Determining allergens in the finished product based on current supplier documentation;
- Maintaining and documenting a demonstrable HACCP management system;
- Controlling cross-contamination risks within their own production environment;
- Compliance with local food safety authority requirements.
Allergen information: Limitations
The allergen information on this page relates to the ingredient as such. The actual allergen composition of your purchase may differ due to:
- Varying suppliers, production facilities or growing regions;
- Cross-contact during production, transport or storage ("may contain");
- Changed product formulations not yet reflected in public sources;
- Processing or preparation in your own kitchen that introduces new allergens.
Always verify allergens against the current specification sheets (spec sheets) from your supplier. Orally or informally provided allergen information is not legally valid under EU Reg. 1169/2011.
Milk allergen and lactose intolerance
The EU-14 allergen "Milk (including lactose)" covers two distinct conditions, both of which require declaration: (1) cow's milk allergy, an immunological reaction to milk proteins (casein, whey), and (2) lactose intolerance, an enzymatic deficiency (lactase) preventing digestion of milk sugar. Both groups must be informed separately on the menu. Lactose-free is not the same as milk-protein-free: a guest with cow's milk allergy may still react to lactose-free products.
Limitation of liability
KitchenNmbrs B.V. excludes all liability for direct or indirect damages arising from:
- Use of the information on this page as the basis for commercial or operational decisions;
- Allergic reactions, food poisoning or other health incidents involving guests or staff;
- Inaccuracies resulting from changed product compositions by third parties (suppliers);
- Non-compliance with food safety laws and regulations.
All information is subject to the KitchenNmbrs Terms and Conditions.
Official sources and authorities
Legal basis: EU Reg. 1169/2011 Annex II (EU-14 allergens) · EU Reg. 852/2004 (HACCP) · Local food information legislation as applicable
