Consumers are turning to healthy gourmet nut butters in their search for flavorful variety and due to health concerns with peanut butter such as food allergies, pesticide residues and aflatoxins (natural toxins from a peanut mold condition). According to a study published in the December 2003 edition of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the incidence of peanut allergy in children doubled between 1997 and 2002 to 600,000.
Manitoba Harvest� Hemp Seed Nut Butter is a great example of the specialty natural nut butter movement. It is made from 100% non-GMO hemp seed nut (shelled hemp seed) grown sustainably on the prairies in Manitoba, Canada without the use of herbicides or pesticides. Their hemp seed nut butter is one of nature's richest sources of complete protein (35%) and Omega 3 & Omega 6 Essential Fatty Acids (40%). In his respected book, Fats that Heal, Fats that Kill, nutrition expert Dr. Udo Erasmus states; "Hemp butter puts peanut butter to shame in nutritional value."
In addition to the important nutrients found in Hemp Seed Nut Butter, what it doesn't contain also makes nutrition experts happy, such as: no Trans Fats, no hydrogenated oils, no cholesterol, no added sugar, low saturated fat, no gluten, no preservatives, and no artificial colors or flavors.
"Hemp seed nut butter is the richest source of the Omega 3 & 6 EFAs of any nut butter," says Mike Fata, North American Sales Manager for Manitoba Harvest. Although Omega-6 EFAs are found in many nut butters, many of those are not fresh and may contain unhealthy Trans Fatty Acids. "Hemp Seed Nut Butter is the only nut butter that offers a good source of Omega 3," adds Fata.
Much like the many other gourmet food companies that produce specialty nut butters, Manitoba Harvest grows, processes and packages all of their own products to ensure quality and freshness. Hemp seed nut butter is a raw "living" food that is made in small batches. To produce the butter, hemp seeds are cracked to expose the soft, inner nut. The seeds are then run through a series of screening machines that separate the shell from the nutritious inner nut. The soft inner nuts are then ground at a low temperature until a rich, creamy texture is achieved. No other ingredients are used or necessary.
Manitoba Harvest hemp food products are made "fresh on demand." When distributors, retailers or customers place an order they create the product fresh that day. All products are clearly stamped with a "Packaged on" and "Best Before" date. Freshness is important with nut butters, and hemp seed nut butter should be refrigerated after opening and then consumed within 8 weeks. All Manitoba Harvest products are packaged in light-impermeable packages and flushed with an inert gas to prevent oxidation.
Hemp seed nut butter has an attractive emerald green color, due to its rich content of chlorophyll, a powerful antioxidant. Manitoba Harvest Hemp Seed Nut Butter is a creamy spread that is ideal for breads, bagels, crackers and croissants. It can be combined with herbs and spices to create delicious pates and dips, or can be blended with smoothies and sauces. Hemp seed nut butter recipes are included below, and more can be found at www.manitobaharvest.com/recipes.
In February 2004, the Hemp Industries Association won its 2 Vi-year old lawsuit against the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The unanimous decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit permanently blocks DEA regulations that attempted to ban hemp foods, and has greatly enhanced consumer interest in hemp foods. Manitoba Harvest �products contain 0.00% THC. They will not cause a false positive drug test or a psychoactive effect.
The suggested retail price for a 10-ounce jar of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Nut Butter is $9.99 Established in 1998, Manitoba Harvest� is a USDA accredited organic and kosher certified hemp food processor that demonstrates a commitment to quality "From Seed to Shelf." They offer healthy staple hemp food products including nutritious Hemp Seed Oil, Hemp Seed Oil Capsules, Hemp Seed Nut (shelled hemp seed), Hemp Seed Nut Butter and Hemp Protein Powder. Manitoba Harvest� products are offered nationwide by more than 1,500 natural food retailers, including Whole Foods Markets and Wild Oats. For more information, please visit www.manitobaharvest.com or call 1-800-665-HEMP (4367).