HempX to Kick Off with A Taste of Hemp

Chef and Co-Owner Jason Sellers of Plant Restaurant to Headline Event

HempX Asheville, a collaboration between Adapt, Highland Brewing Company and Asheville Event Co., is pleased to announce that Jason Sellers of nationally-recognized vegan restaurant Plant, will be the featured chef at A Taste of Hemp.

Kicking off HempX Asheville, A Taste of Hemp is at noon on Friday, September 18th in the Highland Brewing Tasting Room. Chef Sellers will be creating a variety of small bites made with hemp seed, hemp oil, hemp flour, and a variety of other hemp ingredients.

Sellers is renowned for his ability to reimagine many traditional food items that people are surprised to find out are vegan. His ice cream made with coconut milk is now sold nationally by Amy’s Kitchen. The cheese plate he serves at the restaurant is a local favorite and features non-dairy cheeses made from cashews, almonds, and fermented tofu. On the hemp front, he uses Smiling Hara Hempeh on a rotating basis in the restaurant, and has used hemp in other culinary creations for years. Smiling Hara will be on-site for A Taste of Hemp and Sellers will be using their smoked, salt and pepper rubbed peanut Hempeh in one of his creations.

“I became mesmerized by the culinary prowess of hemp several years ago,” said Sellers. “Its versatility and nutrient density have made it a staple in my home and professional kitchens. HempX is the perfect venue in which to partner with other local chefs and share our favorite special-occasion and everyday dishes using this amazing seed. As Sarah of Smiling Hara would say, ‘we’re going to be big hempin.'”

Considered by nutritionists to be one of nature’s “most perfect foods,” hemp seed is loaded with all 20 amino acids (including the nine essential), and is rich in protein, omega-fatty acids and fiber. The seed has a nutty-taste and a wide variety of uses, from sprinkling over yogurt or salads to including in smoothies and baked or sautéed dishes. Additionally, hemp seed oil can be used raw or in low heat cooking. Hemp flour is gluten free and can be used in baked goods, crackers and flat breads.

A Taste of Hemp is the only ticketed event at HempX. Tickets are $20 and include all food and beverage. All proceeds benefit Accelerating Appalachia. To purchase tickets, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=18203930446

All other events at HempX Asheville, including the educational panels, the Food/Fiber/Fuel Expo and live music are free to the public.

For more information, visit www.hempxasheville.com 

About HempX HempX Asheville is a collaboration between Adapt, Highland Brewing Company and Asheville Event Co. It is a family-friendly event that aims to educate the public about the many uses and benefits of industrial hemp. HempX will be the first event of its kind held in North Carolina and local organizers hope to shine a light on the role hemp could play in helping revitalize the family farm throughout the state.