As we roll into July, we’re serving up something cool, creamy, and a little unexpected: Strawberry Hemp Ice Cream. This dairy-free delight blends luscious strawberries with nutrient-rich hemp milk and hemp hearts—easy to find at your local grocery or health food store. But this isn’t just a tasty treat. It’s a nod to a plant with deep roots in American history.
This Fourth of July, as you celebrate with friends, fireworks, and a scoop of something special, take a moment to appreciate the enduring legacy—and exciting future—of hemp. Because here in Colorado, we don’t just celebrate history. We grow it.
Hemp has been part of our story since the earliest days of the country. Long before Colorado became a leader in the modern hemp movement, this strong, sustainable crop was grown by early Americans and used for everything from rope to paper. In fact, Betsy Ross’s American flag was made of hemp, which was more durable than cotton and less likely to fade or tear, making it an ideal fabric for a battle flag. Hemp was also an important symbol of the colonies’ economic independence.
Today, Colorado is once again at the forefront—thanks to forward-thinking policies and a passionate community of growers, makers, and entrepreneurs. While CBD got much of the early attention, hemp is now being used for so much more: fiber, grain, textiles, bioplastics—even building materials.
Why hemp? It uses less water, improves soil health, and opens up new opportunities for farmers—from large-scale producers to small family farms. Companies like Colorado Hemp Works, the first commercial hemp grain processor in the U.S., and Global Fiber Processing are helping make local, high-quality hemp ingredients easy to access.
So when you enjoy this sweet scoop, you’re also supporting sustainability, innovation, and local agriculture.
Want to connect with local food? Find a farmers market near you with our Farm Fresh Directory—available in English and Spanish—or check out Colorado Proud to discover local producers in your area.
Strawberry Hemp Heart Ice Cream
Shared by CDA Staff
Yield: 6 servings
Prep time: 10 hours, including soaking and chilling
Hands-on time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-30 minutes
Equipment
Ice Cream Machine
Ingredients
- 1 cup hemp hearts, hulled hemp seeds
- 3-1/2 cups hemp milk, or nondairy milk of choice
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, see options in notes
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Sweetest Bean vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
Directions
- Place the frozen freezer bowl of the ice cream maker into your ice cream machine.
- In a covered container, combine the hemp hearts and hemp milk. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours (do not drain).
- Once the hemp hearts have soaked in the hemp milk, combine them in a blender with the strawberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla and salt. Blend until smooth.
- Chill the mixture for at least 2 hours. (Note: If you’re in a hurry you can skip this step, but a colder base churns more effectively.)
- Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker, and follow your manufacturer's instructions (about 20-30 minutes to churn).
- You can eat the ice cream soft-serve, or freeze it in an airtight container for 3-4 hours to thicken it up slightly. For best results, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften before serving.
Pair It Perfectly
For a Sophisticated Sip try Restoration Vineyards Gewürztraminer. This aromatic white wine, known for its fragrant notes of lychee, rose petal, ginger, and hints of sweet spice, will beautifully complement the bright, juicy strawberries in the ice cream.
Seeking a non-alcoholic option that truly shines? Reach for Sati Soda! Its nuanced flavors are designed to enhance your well-being and your taste buds.
Visit ColoradoProud.com for more recipes.