CBD: The New Taste Of Wellness

At Penguin, we love to go down the canna rabbit hole, and our love and excitement knows no bounds. In recent years, the hemp industry has transcended traditional uses and worked its way effortlessly into the culinary world. The growing awareness and popularity of hemp's health benefits, versatility, and sustainability has been an incredible process to witness! The evolution of hemp and CBD in food and beverages, such as CBD-infused drinks and edible forms of hemp are reshaping our dietary landscapes and offering new ways to enjoy wellness. 

The Hemp 411

Hemp is a strain of the Cannabis sativa plant that has been cultivated for thousands of years, it’s been used in everything from clothing and paper to building materials. We think it’s pretty much a miracle plant fiber. Unlike its counterpart marijuana, hemp contains low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the psychoactive compound associated with the "high" of marijuana use. This distinction has made it possible for the legal cultivation of hemp and its use in many countries, especially following the 2018 Farm Bill in the United States, which legalized industrial hemp and CBD.

Hemp And Friends In the Culinary World

Hemp seeds, CBD oil, and protein powder have become staples in health-conscious kitchens worldwide. These ingredients are not only nutritious, offering a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, protein, and fiber, but also versatile, lending themselves to a variety of culinary applications, flavors and taste profiles. 

Green Up Your Culinary Inspo 

Hemp seeds, with their mild, nutty flavor, can be sprinkled over salads, incorporated into granola, or blended into smoothies for an added nutritional boost. Hemp oil, extracted from the seeds, serves as a fantastic base for salad dressings and dips, though it's best-used cold to preserve its nutritional value and delicate flavor. Hemp protein powder, made by grinding pressed hemp seeds, is an excellent addition to baked goods or protein bars, offering a plant-based protein that is easily digestible and allergy-friendly.

Hemp-Infused Foods

The culinary creativity doesn't stop at raw ingredients; chefs and food manufacturers are experimenting with hemp and CBD in more specific forms. Hemp flour is used to create gluten-free pasta and bread, appealing to those with gluten sensitivities and other dietary concerns. 

Additionally, hemp seeds are being incorporated into plant-based meat alternatives, capitalizing on their protein content and textural properties to mimic the texture of meat. It’s really the king of versatility!

Hemp & CBD Beverages

The beverage industry is in on the hemp revolution with a surge in CBD-infused drinks. Both delicious and a hit for their stress relief and anti-inflammatory properties, and it doesn’t stop there— CBD has been known to help sleep and digestion. These herbal infusions have become a staple in alcohol-free social scenes, offering new ways of connecting for health conscious crowds. 

Hemp milk, made from blended hemp seeds and water, offers a creamy, plant-based alternative to dairy milk, rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Its subtle, nutty flavor makes it a favorite for coffee, tea, and smoothies. Beyond milk, hemp teas and hemp-infused waters are hitting the market, providing a refreshing way to enjoy the many benefits of this miracle herb. 

CBD Infused Drinks

CBD drinks have become a new party staple! Gatherings have made a leap and burgeoning social scenes such as yoga and spiritual wellness communities are all ditching the booze for more centered experiences with fun drinks that support a more intentional style of coming together. 

There are many non-psychoactive compounds found in CBD, which are celebrated for their potential to alleviate anxiety, pain, and inflammation without the intoxicating effects of THC. Hemp-infused beverages range from sparkling waters and non-alcoholic wines to coffees and energy drinks, each offering a unique and delicious way to integrate and explore CBD. We love a Penguin Mocktail! Try one of our deliciously flavored Penguin CBD Oil tinctures in any of your favorite beverages and unwind penguin style! 

What’s The Catch?

Despite the excitement surrounding hemp and cannabis derived terpenes in food and beverages, the industry faces regulatory challenges. The legal landscape for any product derived from the cannabis plant is complex and varies by jurisdiction, affecting the availability and marketing of products. Furthermore, as the market becomes saturated, consumers are becoming more discerning, seeking products with transparent sourcing, clear labeling, and proven efficacy. This is where we come in! At Penguin, we’re here to offer the best products on the market, head to the Penguin shop to explore a wide array of CBD and No-CBD wellness offerings and safely choose which strain or flavor suits your lifestyle!  

The Future of Hemp in Culinary Arts

As the hemp industry continues to grow and progress, we can only expect new and exciting hemp-based culinary products to hit the mainstream. The integration of food, art, wellness, and sustainability suggests a bright future for edible hemp and CBD. Chefs, scientists, and entrepreneurs are only beginning to scratch the surface of its potential. We can’t wait to see what’s next! From the kitchen to the café, hemp and CBD are offering new flavors, textures, and health benefits, challenging our perceptions of this ancient plant. Have you cooked with hemp or CBD? How do you feel about it? Let us know your thoughts and experiences! Til’ next time!