Hemp is the new super-food

New Delhi: Initially, when Navneet Shetty, co-founder of The Hemp Factory, told his family and friends about his plans to partner with the Bombay Hemp Company (BOHECO) and set up The Hemp Factory, he was not taken seriously. “My parents and friends thought we (the founders) had lost our minds and are selling psychoactive drugs! We had to make them understand the difference between marijuana (psychoactive) and hemp (non-psychoactive) which is legal now under the Food Safety and Security Authority of India (FSSAI),” he remembers.

Established in April 2022, The Hemp Factory (THF) is India’s first cloud kitchen brand serving exclusive hemp-infused foods. It has partnered with BOHECO and the chief goal is to introduce hemp foods and derivatives into the dietary lifestyle of people. “We believe in the power of hemp, a 9,000-year-old plant native to the Himalayas. Being an extraordinarily sustainable and nutritious plant, it is an upcoming juggernaut in the health and nutritional space. Essentially, hemp is a miracle resource empowering modern-day lifestyle by providing you with wholesome nutrition,” says Shetty.

As of November 15, 2021, the FSSAI issued a notification that hemp seeds, oil and flour shall be sold as food ingredient as long as it conforms to their standards. “Until recently hemp was primarily used in the medical industry. But now, consuming food made of hemp is perfectly legal and safe! Since hemp has tremendous nutritional benefits, we wanted to introduce this super-food to the masses,” adds Shetty. The supply of hemp leaves is, however, controlled by the government, with only a handful of companies having an Ayush licence to manufacture hemp that’s supplied to retailers.

Hemp has been around for ages. A multi-purpose plant, hemp has had a long tradition through civilizations, especially China and India. The hemp fibre is used to make ropes. Artist Mrinalini Mukherjee is known for her dystopian hemp sculptures that hang from the ceiling by hooks and bewitch art lovers with their eerie beauty. Hemp in Ayurveda and alternative medicine has long been a sought-after ingredient. Of late, with its derived CBD oil, hemp has made a firm presence in the beauty market. Traditional cuisines like the ones in Uttarakhand – Garhwal and Kumaon region – have their tantalizing bhaang ki chutney. Needless to say, with the FSSAI’s nod ingesting hemp as a super-food was the next natural step.

Ahmedabad-based nutritionist Naina Mahajan says, “Hemp is an incredibly versatile plant. A variety of Cannabis sativa, hemp seeds are the most important part of the plant. The seeds can be eaten whole or without the hull. They can also be turned into milk, similar to soy milk. It is useful for helping keep the immune system functioning. It also acts as an antioxidant, helping reduce free radicals that can cause cell damage. It is perfect for pain management. Hemp seeds are particularly rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Both of these fats are known for improving heart health. Besides, hemp is loaded with gut-friendly fibre, vitamins and minerals. It is also loaded with magnesium, an essential nutrient the body can’t produce on its own.”

Before THF went commercial, a year was invested into the research and development of hemp derivatives to bring forth a carefully crafted menu. Hemp is the principal food ingredient at THF and is infused in all dishes in the form of oil, seeds, or flour. “Integrating hemp with traditional dishes is not an easy task. Unlike others who use hemp as a mere topping, our principal ingredient is hemp,” says Shetty.

And that was the game-changer for the eatery. In just over three months, the eatery is already famous for its Marley Brownie, Hempzilla Burger, Chicken Haze Pizza and Purple Haze Smoothie. The Hemp Factory’s mission is to transform popular dishes into healthier, nutritious meals that can fit into anyone’s diet. “We have seen a very aggressive growth of three-times revenue since our initial days. We have also got a lot of franchise requests even in this short period of time,” says Shetty.

Along with a delectable menu, the team at THF aims to increase awareness of the benefits of hemp in our communities. Health issues like blood pressure, poor digestion, and high cholesterol can be managed with the help of including hemp-based food in the diet. It is a great source of proteins, minerals, amino acids, omega fatty acids, and vitamin E - a single spoonful of hemp seeds daily is bound to have great benefits. Aside from the edible products derived from the hemp plant, it is also used to make fabric, ropes, industrial materials, paper, and plastic.

“Our vision is to expand from our current kitchen in Mumbai. Through company-owned or franchise outlets we plan to make hemp-based food accessible not just all over Mumbai but also in other metro cities, and eventually set up kitchens all over India. We aim to expand our products/offerings in the coming months and become the go-to brand for Hemp-based foods in India. If everything goes well we also have plans to expand internationally in the later stages,” signs off Shetty.

Fun facts about hemp:

· It can be grown in nearly any climate

· It eliminates toxins and radioactive materials

· When harvested correctly, hemp’s fibre is stronger than steel

· Hemp captures carbon emissions

· China is the world’s biggest hemp producer

· It is one of the most complete sources of vegetable nutrition in existence