What is Hemp Hurd? Different Parts of Hemp Explained
Not all hemp is created equal. Industrial hemp is different from its psychedelic counterpart just as much as hemp hurd varies in use from hemp leaves.
Industrial hemp plants have less than 0.3% THC and are therefore used in dozens of ways that have nothing to do with getting high. From naval ship ropes to hipster clothing, let’s take a look at the various ways industrial hemp has been utilized as a biomaterial in recent years.
What are the Different Parts of Hemp and What is Hemp Used For?
Hemp is composed of the seed, stalk, leaves, and flowers. Each can be used for different things in various industries.
Hemp Seed
Hemp seeds had a moment in the health and wellness scene when industrial hemp was legalized, as they are full of omega-3’s and omega-6’s as well as fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Now up there with the likes of chia and flax seeds, hemp is also used to make plant-based milk alternatives. Additionally, the seeds can be pressed and the oil released can be used for cooking and salad dressings. This oil was also at one point used by the colonists in oil lamps!
Nutrition aside, hemp seed oil is also used in lotions, soaps, and cosmetics, as well as pet food and animal feed.
Hemp Leaves
Hemp leaves have traditionally been popular in teas and tinctures, as well as salves and balms, for the supposed health benefits they tout. Some artisanal papermaking still uses hemp leaves, but hemp leaves are used as mulch or compost material and animal bedding more commonly today. Hemp leaves are also used as organic fertilizer, biomass fuel, and environmentally-friendly packaging materials.
Hemp Flowers
Hemp flowers can be processed to extract terpenes, a type of hydrocarbon found in the essential oils of plants, which are then added to fragrances and flavors. These terpenes can also be added to aromatherapy products, essential oils, and bath products and various topicals.
Hemp Stalk
The stalk of a hemp plant is one of the most economically prodigious parts of an industrial hemp plant. Composed of five main parts, the most important components of a hemp stalk are:
- The bast fiber, which are long, strong fibers running the length of the stalk
- The hurd, which is the woody, cellulose-rich core of the stalk
Bast fiber is highly valued for its uses in the creation of textiles, clothing, rope and twine, paper products, and composite materials. Hemp hurd, however, is the piece de la resistance of the whole hemp plant.
Hemp Hurd Uses
Industrial hemp hurd has a myriad of uses. First and foremost, it has prowess as a building material. It is the main component in hempcrete, a modern, sustainable alternative to concrete. It has incredible insulation properties and can be used as a highly competitive alternative to polystyrene-based insulation. Industrial hemp hurd is also used in particle board production and eco-friendly flooring.
Apart from its uses as a building material, hemp hurd can be used as animal bedding, cat litter, an industrial absorbent for oil and chemical spills, and even as a mushroom cultivation substrate. Hemp hurd has also been used as a source of biomass fuel.
Looking for Hemp Hurd for Sale?
We don’t blame you. Industrial hemp hurd is highly absorbent, offers excellent thermal insulation, is biodegradable, mold-, mildew-, and fire-resistant, and carbon-negative.
Bison Biocomposites is proud to offer some of the highest-quality, 100% USA-made hemp hurd on the market. When used with our proprietary hemp binder mix, we can create a completely pourable insulation that is more eco-friendly than many of the existing products on the market. With a set time of just a few hours, our hemp binder reduces the mess and waste associated with traditional insulation application.
We offer many different sizes of hurd to meet the needs of any builder. Reach out to our team today to purchase hemp insulation for your next build.
FAQs
How to Build a Hemp House
Building a hemp house is going to require a traditional frame structure, as hempcrete is not currently certified for load-bearing applications. Hempcrete can be placed in between these frames and cured accordingly. Looking to build a hemp house? Don’t hesitate to contact us about how to get hemp building products.
What is Hemp Seed?
Hemp seeds are shelled, edible seeds of Cannabis sativa, or industrial hemp. They contain no THC and are a complete source of protein.