Industrial hemp is a versatile plant that can be used to produce a wide range of products. Each part of the plant has its own unique properties and uses.
Bast fiber is the long, strong fiber that is found in the stem of the hemp plant. It is made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Bast fiber is the most valuable part of the hemp plant and is used to make a variety of products, including textiles, paper, building materials, and bioplastics.
Shives are the woody core of the hemp stem. They are made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, but they have a higher lignin content than bast fiber. Shives are less valuable than bast fiber, but they can still be used to make a variety of products, including animal bedding, mulch, and building materials.
Hemp leaves are rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and protein. They can be used to make a variety of products, including tea, smoothies, and supplements. Hemp leaves can also be used to extract cannabinoids, which are the compounds in hemp that are responsible for its medicinal and recreational effects.
Hemp seeds are a nutritious and versatile food source. They are high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. Hemp seeds can be eaten raw, cooked, or ground into flour. They can also be used to make a variety of products, including hemp milk, hemp oil, and hemp protein powder.
Talking about the different parts, we can’t overlook the importance of harvesting, which is literally the first step of processing. With the choice of a combine-based hemp harvesting solution, you make sure that separation happens right away. Seeds, leaves, and stems are as close as possible to each other in the threshing process, which leads to cleaner products. A crucial principle states: “Quality starts in the field, not in the factory!”
