Dutch Harvest
The beautiful, swaying hemp fields make a big impression on many a tourist cycling through East Groningen in the summer. However, this is ‘fibre hemp’, a centuries-old crop that is making a comeback. Dutch Harvest turns it into a delicious cup of tea.
Have a look now
"Hemp tea: a tasty rediscovery of a centuries-old crop"
The beautiful waving fields of hemp make quite an impression on many a tourist cycling through eastern Groningen in summer. But this is 'fibre hemp', an ancient crop making a comeback for many sustainable products. And recently also for a deliciously mild cup of hemp tea.
Fascinated by the hemp plant
When sustainability adviser Esther Molenwijk discovered the hemp plant, she was quickly captivated…
"Hemp tea: a tasty rediscovery of a centuries-old crop"
The beautiful waving fields of hemp make quite an impression on many a tourist cycling through eastern Groningen in summer. But this is 'fibre hemp', an ancient crop making a comeback for many sustainable products. And recently also for a deliciously mild cup of hemp tea.
Fascinated by the hemp plant
When sustainability adviser Esther Molenwijk discovered the hemp plant, she was quickly captivated by it. This ancient crop can easily be grown organically and requires very little water. What’s more, this fast-growing plant absorbs a lot of CO₂ and, with its deep root system, improves soil structure. Its strong fibres and woody core can be used for many sustainable applications, such as building materials, clothing or paper. “I was completely captivated by it,” says Molenwijk. “How is it possible that this sustainable, strong crop has been so forgotten? I decided to change course and dedicate myself to the rediscovery of this plant.”
Healthy substance CBD in hemp buds
You cannot get ‘stoned’ from the fibre hemp plant, as it does not contain the psychoactive substance THC. However, it was recently discovered that the leaves and flowers – which had previously been regarded as waste material – contain the substances CBD and CBDA. These compounds were found to have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system and the immune system. An inventive Groningen hemp farmer had developed a special harvesting machine to strip the buds from the plant. It wasn’t long before the idea of making hemp tea was born at Molenwijk. “A lovely, mild tea with health benefits. That struck me as a great, accessible way to put hemp back on the map in a positive light.” So, in 2015, she launched a crowdfunding campaign that raised the start-up capital needed to bring the first hemp tea harvest to fruition.
Herbs only – no flavourings or other additives
Hemp tea has a mild, fresh, slightly sweet flavour, with a slight tingle at the end. ‘A mild variety of green tea’, as customers often put it. In addition to the pure variety (‘Simply Hemp’), Molenwijk has also developed four blends in collaboration with a tea sommelier. Hemp always predominates in these blends, making up at least 50 per cent. However, the herbal additions are designed to highlight the various effects of hemp. “Naturally, we source all our herbs organically and use absolutely no additives,” says Molenwijk. “No flavourings, sugars or other rubbish – nature itself has more than enough to offer.”
Packaging at a sheltered workshop using biodegradable packaging
As a sustainability consultant, Molenwijk had already advised many companies on the social and environmental aspects of business operations. “So when you develop a product yourself, it all has to add up, of course,” says Molenwijk. The packaging was no easy task. How do you find packaging that provides a good barrier against light and air, yet is also biodegradable? Two packaging companies developed a compostable block bag especially for Dutch Harvest . Sustainable paper producer PaperWise supplied the unbleached paper made from agricultural waste, and Bio4Pack supplied a cellulose-based film. The packaging is carried out at a sheltered workshop. It took a bit of practice at first, but it’s now running like clockwork.
From plant to customer
Dutch Harvest is now growing rapidly, and the hemp tea is also being discovered beyond the country’s borders. “My life has certainly been turned upside down,” says Molenwijk. “But I’m proud that we’ve managed to introduce the public to this local product. And what could be more enjoyable than being in control of the whole process, from plant to customer!”