Orange hemp energy balls

Hemp Recipe
Source: bitesizedthoughts.com

It has been a long time between hemp seed recipes. Indeed, it has been a long time since I have had hemp seeds in my kitchen. I am pleased to have a bag on the go again now and suspect you will see more recipes featuring the seeds before too long.

I like hemp seeds for lots of reasons, including, if I'm honest, their amusing hippy connotations. I feel a bit like I should be living in a commune and wearing tie dyed clothes when I use them. They are also from the same species as cannabis and so (to a closeted, non-adventurous soul) it feels rather daring to pick them up in a local store. Those points aside, hemp seeds are fantastically nutritious - rich in healthy fats, protein, iron, and a whole host of vitamins and minerals. They also have a nutty, earthy flavour that I very much enjoy.

Hemp seeds are technically a nut rather than a seed and you want the shelled variety for this recipe. They are pretty readily available these days and while they were illegal to buy for consumption in Australia when I lived there, I believe they are now legal as a food.

These orange hemp balls are a great way to try out hemp seeds if they are new to you, because the hemp flavour is subtle and the orange balances it perfectly. Dates and apple provide sweetness and oats give a soft-yet-firm texture. I really liked the final product and these make great portable snacks or even an easy breakfast. The balls need to be refrigerated to stay firm but are perfectly enjoyable at room temperature too - just rather soft.

As shown, I made a mix of large and small balls but the recipe would make roughly 20 of a standard energy ball size.

Orange hemp energy balls

Delicious orange flavoured energy balls with the earthy nuttiness of hemp but plenty of sweetness from dates and apple

Makes roughly 20 standard sized energy balls

Vegan

Food processor required

Author: Bite-sized thoughts

Print recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup hemp seeds (shelled)

1/2 cup roughly chopped and pitted dates

1 cup rolled oats

Zest of 1 medium orange (approximately 1 tbsp)

1 apple, quartered (no need to peel)

1 tsp vanilla

Method

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until well combined and starting to clump together.

Roll into balls of your desired size and place in the refrigerator to firm up. Store in the refrigerator.