A Day for Hemp

With the prospect of returning to the Philippines where growing even THC-free cannabis is illegal, I decided to play with some of the live hemp seeds I bought at a supermarket here in Kathmandu. Yes, a supermarket. A big grocery store part of a local chain that has branches all over Nepal. Not an independent distributor, not a dealer, not a cannabis shop, not a local fresh market, not even a specialty health food store. Freaking Bhat Bhateni Supermarket.

It's well-known that hemp seeds are a serious super food but I read that sprouting them spikes up their nutritional value to a whole new level. Sort of like sprouting mung beans or chia seeds. So I spread them out on a plate lined with wet kitchen paper, watered them daily and after two weeks of patience and perseverance, here they are on three vegan food items.

I hope one day the people who run our country would come to their senses and stop being paranoid sourpuss control freaks over things they don't understand. It is backed by legitimate scientific research conducted by reputable universities that hemp (a) does not alter one's consciousness and (b) is very rich in fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals. Why people are up in arms over this humble plant is beyond me.

Quinoa salad with hemp sprouts and roasted hemp seed,
dressed with homemade toum (allioli)

Crepe with tomato chutney and hemp sprouts

Crepe with toum (cut) and hemp sprouts