Young cannabis leaves as a new product presented at the American PMA Foodservice exhibition

In varieties of technical hemp with a therapeutic orientation, the main role will be played not so much by the taste characteristics as by the therapeutic properties of leaves and inflorescences, which, having reached certain values, can significantly improve the physiological and psycho-emotional state of consumers. Therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor American companies that will operate in the leafy green market, specializing in the sale of leaves and inflorescences of technical hemp in order to understand how economically profitable a certain amount of “green mass” of raw materials rich in therapeutically active elements is to be sold until the moment when in the plant will “pick up” a sufficient amount of non-narcotic cannabinoids, terpenes, terpenoids, finols, flavonoids.

In the market of economically developed countries of the world, there is no question “ Will hemp leaves become a mass ingredient in the salad market ?” It is already clear to both professionals and consumers that " Hemp leaves are efficiently used as a food product, " therefore, for at least the last two years, " The market for cannabis leaves has been emerging in the United States as one of the ingredients in the leafy green market ."

An element of the development of this segment of modern American cannabis growing is the information that in California at the PMA Foodservice exhibition, one of the market innovations presented by a large trading company will be products that include the “green mass” of technical hemp. Understandably, in the US, hemp companies are actively looking for alternatives to the use of leaves and flowers from the medical market. Interestingly, the leafy greens sector can be profitable for the agricultural grower three weeks after sowing and become an intermediate or transitional crop until the plant can be used for medicinal purposes, for processing the fibrous component of hemp, or before the formation of a grain crop. Considering the available information from the USA that as leafy greens it is effective to use not only young leaves, but also the “green mass” of the plant obtained during the harvesting of seeds as one of the key ingredients of a tasty and healthy food product, it is worth paying attention to national companies. working in this segment of modern hemp breeding on the information provided by our American colleagues.

The leading American manufacturer and supplier of traditional and organic products “Field Fresh Farms” will present several new products at once introduced to the traditional line of agricultural products grown and sold by the company - “young hemp leaves” (BABY HEMP GREENS) at the PMA Foodservice exhibition on July 21-22. ”(Monterey, California). 

As early as 2021, US buyers will be offered “young leaves” of hemp, young shoots, and a distinctive “leafy green” mixture of the plant. The ready-to-market commodity items are intended both for use by catering establishments and for companies that specialize in retail trade. In its promotional materials, Field Fresh Farms points out the uniqueness of its offer, as the hemp plant's “green mass” is rich in nutrients, calcium and potassium, and provides consumers with the unique taste characteristics of the end product - from citrus fruits to earthy flavors. ...

It is emphasized that green young shoots as well as technical hemp leaves provide consumers with exceptional health benefits. Attention is drawn to the fact that the product will be certified as organic and is planned to be sold under the Beach Road Organics trademark.

According to one of the aforementioned company representatives, “We look forward to introducing this new, healthy green product with accessibility to our catering and retail customers. As this is a completely new product, we are delighted to have the opportunity to educate customers and consumers about the benefits of edible greens from hemp's “green mass”. We believe the effort is worth it, as this new product is sure to appeal to chefs and consumers alike. Among other benefits, it is an environmentally friendly crop that can be grown year round on the central coast of California. "

According to a number of experts in the American hemp market, thanks to a short growing cycle of about 20 days from planting to harvest, and a long shelf life of more than several weeks, young hemp greens are an excellent transition and intermediate crop for agricultural producers specializing in the cultivation and processing of the hemp plant. ... Another feature of this business is the fact that during the season of selling leafy greens of technical hemp, the supply can be quickly scaled to meet demand.

According to the management of Field Fresh Farms, “Branding of products + retail packaging of“ hemp leafy greens ”are under development and will be presented before the end of this year. At the same time, “no label” evacuated raw materials are already available for purchase by catering establishments or wholesale / retail consumers. In addition to being an excellent source of nutrients, we add the green mass of industrial hemp to a variety of salad vegetables. We are delighted that chefs and consumers are getting creative with the use of hemp raw materials and giving us feedback on the shape, flavor and texture of the hemp plant. ”

Commentary of the specialists of the Association "Ukrainian technical hemp"

Field Fresh Farms is one of the leading manufacturers / suppliers of organic traditional and organic products in the multi-US marketplace. The company is headquartered in Watsonville, California. In particular, the company supplies the market with high-quality head lettuce, arugula, romaine hearts, spinach, spring vegetable mixes, and now young hemp greens.

I would like to pay special attention to the fact that in therapeutic varieties of technical hemp, the main role will be played not so much by taste characteristics as by the therapeutic properties of leaves and inflorescences, which, having reached certain values, can significantly improve the physiological and psycho-emotional state of consumers. Therefore, it is necessary to closely observe the American companies that will work in the leafy green market, specializing in the sale of leaves and inflorescences of technical hemp in order to understand how economically a certain amount of “green mass” of raw materials rich in therapeutically active elements is to be sold until the moment when in the plant A sufficient amount of therapeutically active ingredients will be “typed”.