Hemp microgreens in Ukrainian style: green pharmacy from the garden
Growing consumer interest points to the high potential of this segment of modern hemp cultivation as an effective nutraceutical, functional food ingredient and health support agent. The Ukrainian model of hemp microgreens production forms a unique segment that combines the gastronomic, health and therapeutic value of this product.
In a number of
regions of our country, hemp seeds have already been sown or are currently
being “introduced into the soil”, i.e. in the next two to three weeks, hemp
microgreens will appear on the market. Considering the
differences in the practice of cultivating “hemp microgreens” in Ukraine from
what product is sold in economically developed countries, the editorial board
of the specialized electronic publication of national hemp growers turned to
specialists from the “ Hemp University ”
for clarification on this topic. Traditionally, the information provided for
use is published without any changes or cuts.
“Traditional” hemp microgreens are sprouted
hemp seeds grown to a height of 10 cm. Despite the fact that the seeds
themselves are extremely useful, hemp microgreens are positioned in all
countries of the world as a product that is vital for the human body, since the
sprouting process adds to it the maximum amount of nutrients provided to the
plant by nature itself.
What are “traditional” hemp microgreens?
“Traditional” hemp microgreens are sprouted
live seeds that look much like any other “sprouted” green. And just like their
other sprouted counterparts, hemp microgreens are a much more nutritious food
than either seeds or fully grown plants. The main reason consumers love hemp
microgreens is that sprouting hemp seeds does not alter the beneficial fatty
acid profile, and also causes the formation of prenylated flavonoids.
Can You Eat Hemp Microgreens?
Hemp microgreens are just as edible as hemp seeds, especially when prepared correctly. They are fairly easy to eat and are quite tasty on their own. This means that hemp microgreens are a versatile food that can be added to a variety of dishes or used on their own as an extremely effective nutraceutical. Hemp microgreens have a slightly nutty flavor that can be compared to hazelnuts, but in a much milder form.
You can make extremely healthy
juices/smoothies from hemp microgreens by adding it to a regular fruit or
vegetable drink, use it as one of the main ingredients in salads or use it in
sandwiches, porridges, first courses, use it as a decoration or a functional
ingredient in "wellness" cuisine.
“Traditional” Benefits of Hemp
Microgreens
Hemp microgreens are extremely rich in
omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which effectively help fight degenerative
diseases due to their neuroprotective nature. They have high levels of vitamins
A, C, E, K; significant amounts of chlorophyll and carotenoids; minerals -
magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, etc. Most experts claim that hemp
microgreens have an excellent protein profile (there is a lot of it) compared
to other vegetables. They contain all the essential amino acids, a significant
amount of antioxidants and flavonoids. They have a high content of cannaflavins
- flavonoids that are more effective than aspirin when it comes to their
anti-inflammatory properties.
Features of using Ukrainian hemp
microgreens
Over the past few years, a significant
number of individuals who either vitally need therapeutically active hemp
ingredients or understand the value of hemp microgreens have been legally
growing it on their backyard plots. Unfortunately, as in previous years,
consumers must register a legal entity for this (during 2022-2024, they
received the appropriate licenses, and in 2025, the enterprise must be included
in the Econopli register). The key feature of Ukrainian hemp microgreens is the
almost universal use of therapeutic varieties of industrial hemp during the
period when the plant has already accumulated a sufficient amount of
cannabinoid acids, cannabinoids, and other therapeutically active elements, and
the controlled substance is either not present at all or is observed in the
plant in trace amounts. That is, the harvesting period, as well as one of the
main principles of using therapeutically active hemp microgreens in our
country, differs significantly from the rules of the global market.
Conclusion : hemp microgreens grown from seeds of industrial varieties of technical hemp are a highly nutritious, functional product in demand both on the international and domestic markets. In Ukraine, this area is developing with an emphasis on the therapeutic properties of microgreens, thanks to the use of specialized varieties of technical hemp containing cannabinoid acids, cannabinoids, as well as other biologically active substances, but without psychoactive components. This distinguishes Ukrainian practice from international practice, where the emphasis is mainly on nutritional value. The process of legally growing hemp plants in households in Ukraine is still associated with a number of bureaucratic restrictions, however Growing consumer interest indicates the high potential of this segment of modern hemp cultivation as an effective nutraceutical, functional food ingredient and health support agent . Thus, the Ukrainian model of hemp microgreens production forms a unique segment that combines the gastronomic, health and therapeutic value of this product.
