Industrial hemp foods and beverages and product properties

Hemp is a versatile, sustainable, and undemanding crop. Traditionally, plants of C. sativa L. were grown as a fiber crop to produce fabrics and ropes, while the seeds of this plant, regardless of their high nutritional value, were generally treated as a by-product and mainly intended for animals. Today, with the surge in studies related to the recognition of the nutritional characteristics of hemp seeds and its health benefits, the production of hemp seeds has increased and they have become a product with an important and growing market. Hemp seeds and hemp seed-based products are, in fact, attractive for those consumers looking for sustainable and eco-sustainable food products with high nutritional value, those suffering from celiac disease (CeD) and lactose intolerance, as well as for vegans and athletes. Hemp seeds have commonly been claimed as a nutritionally complete food source that can be eaten whole as whole seed or as shelled or hulled seeds, as well as processed into a variety of food products, including beverages and baked goods.