I read an article today in the Guardian about milk and it’s carbon foot print. Of course cow’s milk have a huge impact on the planet and almond milk is not a good option either. I was happy to read that the best non-dairy milk to drink for the planet is oat and hemp milk. I found that making my own milk is easy and saves a lot of money. Here are some of my favorite nondairy milk recipes. Of course, as with everything homemade without preservatives, it does not last as long. I found the milk usually last at least 2-3 days, so I like to make smaller amounts more often instead. For these recipes you do need a blender and some sort of strainer such as a cheese cloth , or you can invest in a nut milk bag. I store my nondairy milk in sterile glass jars or bottles. Sterilize them by dipping them into boiling water.
Oat milk: Oats is a budget-friendly food and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
· ½ cup organic oats
· 5 cups water
· ¼ vanilla bean, seeds used
· 1 small pinch of salt
· 1 tsp. raw coconut oil
· 1 tbsp. sweetener such as agave, maple syrup, raw honey (optional)
Soak oats in water for at least one hour in fridge. Blend water/oats and oil in a blender for a minute or two. Strain in a cheesecloth or milk bag. Add salt, vanilla and sweetener if using.
Hemp milk: This tiny seed is a powerhouse of organic minerals and are 33% protein and packed with Omega-3 fatty acids.
· ¾ cup raw hemp hearts
· 4 cups water
· 1 tsp. raw coconut oil
· ¼ vanilla bean, seeds used
· 1-2 tbsp. sweetener, same as recipes above
· 1 pinch salt
Blend seeds with water in a blender for 1 minute. Strain and return to blender. Add vanilla bean seeds, sweetener, salt and oil, and blend another 20-30 seconds.
