How Do You Make Hemp Seed Butter? A Simple and Nutritious Guide

Hemp seed butter is quickly gaining popularity as a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional nut butters. Naturally gluten-free and nut-free, it’s an excellent option for those with allergies or dietary restrictions. Beyond being allergy-friendly, hemp seed butter is incredibly easy to make at home, packed with nutritional benefits, and versatile enough to be used in countless ways. If you’re wondering How Do You Make Hemp Seed Butter, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will walk you through a simple recipe and explore all the reasons why you should incorporate this creamy, nutty spread into your diet.

Why Make Hemp Seed Butter? Nutritional Benefits and More

Hemp seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, and when transformed into butter, these benefits are concentrated into a spreadable delight. For those following plant-based diets, hemp seeds are a fantastic source of protein. Just a couple of tablespoons of hemp seeds provide around 11 grams of protein, making hemp seed butter a great way to boost your protein intake. It’s not just about protein though; hemp seeds are also rich in essential nutrients, including:

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Hemp seeds boast a balanced ratio of these essential fatty acids, crucial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
Zinc: Important for immune function, wound healing, and cell growth.
Fiber: Promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
Magnesium: Plays a vital role in muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control, and blood pressure regulation.

For families with children who have nut allergies, hemp seed butter provides a safe and equally tasty alternative to peanut butter or almond butter. It’s also naturally vegan, paleo, keto, and kosher, fitting into a wide range of dietary lifestyles.

What You Need to Make Homemade Hemp Seed Butter

Making hemp seed butter at home requires minimal ingredients and equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

Hemp Seeds: 1 cup of hulled hemp seeds (also known as hemp hearts). For high-quality seeds, consider brands like Manitoba Harvest.
Salt: ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, or to taste. Salt enhances the flavor and balances the natural nuttiness of the hemp seeds.
Optional Vegetable Oil: 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or another neutral oil like coconut oil or avocado oil. Adding oil can help achieve a smoother, creamier consistency, but it’s not strictly necessary.

Equipment:

Food Processor or High-Speed Blender: A food processor is typically recommended for making nut and seed butters as it’s designed for thicker mixtures. However, a high-speed blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec can also work. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides more frequently when using a blender.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Hemp Seed Butter

Now, let’s get to the “how do you make hemp seed butter” part! Follow these simple steps:

Combine Ingredients: Place the hemp seeds and salt into your food processor or blender.
Process Initially: Turn on the food processor or blender and let it run. At first, the hemp seeds will be ground into a coarse powder.
Scrape Down Sides: Stop the machine and use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This ensures that all the seeds are processed evenly.
Continue Processing: Resume processing. As you continue, the natural oils from the hemp seeds will be released, and the mixture will start to clump together and then gradually become creamy. This process can take a few minutes, depending on your machine’s power.
Add Oil (Optional): If you are using oil, slowly drizzle it in while the machine is running once the mixture starts to become smoother. Process until you reach your desired consistency. For a runnier butter, add a bit more oil, one teaspoon at a time.
Process to Desired Consistency: Continue to process until the hemp seed butter is smooth and creamy. You can choose to make it as smooth or as slightly chunky as you prefer.

Tips for the Best Hemp Seed Butter

Patience is Key: Making seed butter takes time. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t become creamy immediately. Keep processing, scraping down the sides as needed, and it will eventually come together.
Warm Seeds (Optional): Some recipes suggest toasting the hemp seeds lightly before processing to enhance their nutty flavor. You can spread the seeds on a baking sheet and toast in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Let them cool slightly before processing.
Taste and Adjust: Once the butter is made, taste it and adjust the salt if needed. You can also add other flavorings at this stage, as discussed below.

How to Store Hemp Seed Butter

Homemade hemp seed butter is best stored in an airtight container. A mason jar works perfectly. You can store it at room temperature in a pantry or in the refrigerator. Storing it in the fridge will help extend its shelf life and thicken the butter slightly. Properly stored hemp seed butter will last for up to a month. Be sure to stir well before each use as natural separation may occur.

Ways to Enjoy Hemp Seed Butter

Hemp seed butter is incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spread on crackers or toast: Enjoy it simply as a spread on your favorite crackers, toast, or sandwiches.
Dip for vegetables and fruits: Use it as a healthy and flavorful dip for vegetables like celery, carrots, and cucumbers, or fruits like apples and bananas.
Smoothies and Oatmeal: Stir a spoonful into your morning smoothies or oatmeal for added protein, healthy fats, and a creamy texture.
Yogurt Bowls: Swirl it into yogurt bowls with granola and fruit for a nutritious breakfast or snack.
Baking: Incorporate it into baked goods like cookies, muffins, or energy balls for a nutty flavor and added moisture.

Sweet Hemp Seed Butter

While hemp seed butter has a naturally nutty and slightly earthy flavor, you can easily sweeten it to suit your taste. To make a sweeter version, stir in:

Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.
Honey: Honey is another great natural sweetener option.
Maple Sugar: For a granulated sweetener, maple sugar works well.

Add sweetener to taste after the butter is processed and fully smooth. Start with a teaspoon and add more until you reach your desired sweetness.

Chocolate Hemp Seed Butter

For chocolate lovers, transforming hemp seed butter into a chocolatey treat is simple. Add cocoa powder to the food processor while making the butter, or stir it in afterward. Start with 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and adjust to your liking. For a sweeter chocolate butter, you might also want to add a touch of maple syrup or another sweetener. This chocolate hemp seed butter is delicious with fruit, on toast, or even as a healthier alternative to Nutella.

Cinnamon Hemp Seed Butter

Cinnamon adds warmth and spice to hemp seed butter. Simply fold in ground cinnamon to your taste preference. About ½ to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon per cup of hemp seed butter is a good starting point. Cinnamon pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavor of hemp seeds and can be combined with sweeteners or cocoa powder for even more flavor variations.

Do Hemp Seeds Contain THC? Addressing Concerns

A common question surrounding hemp seeds is whether they contain THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Technically, hemp seeds may contain trace amounts of THC, but this is usually due to minimal contact with the plant during processing. It’s important to note that hemp seeds are FDA approved and considered safe for consumption. The levels of THC, if present, are negligible and will not cause any psychoactive effects. You can enjoy hemp seed butter with peace of mind, knowing it is a safe and nutritious food.

Homemade Hemp Seed Butter Recipe

Yields: 1 cup
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes