Hemp from Bama

Hemp from Bama

Hemp from Bama is a product protected under geographical indication.

　　The hemp seeds of Bama hemp are a rare food and oil source, representing one of the most concentrated, complete, and balanced sources of essential amino acids and essential fatty acids found in plants. The seeds are rich in nutrients required by the human body, including proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, fats, minerals, and more, making them an excellent protein source. Hemp oil has the highest content of unsaturated fatty acids among all plant oils and is the only oil that is water-soluble. It is widely recognized as the most nutritionally balanced oil. The hemp industry, from raw material cultivation to final product development, has a long industrial chain that can drive the development of many related sectors. With the expanding use of hemp in industries such as textiles, papermaking, food, and medicine, its production and development prospects are very promising. Bama County has vast karst mountainous areas with superior ecological environments, providing ideal natural conditions for large-scale organic hemp cultivation. Farmers in these karst regions have a long-standing tradition of growing and consuming hemp. In 2013, the county completed hemp cultivation on 50,000 mu, with a total output of about 700 tons and an output value of 7 million yuan.

　　In Bama County, the consumption of hemp seeds is mainly through enterprise procurement and processing, household consumption, and self-use by farmers. In terms of processing, it is primarily used to produce hemp oil, hemp soup base, hemp kernels, hemp paste, and a series of hemp cosmetics. The larger hemp processing enterprises in the county include Bama Ivy Life Technology Development Co., Ltd. and Bama Centenarian Health & Longevity Industry Co., Ltd. For household consumption, eating hemp soup and hemp porridge has become a fashionable trend among tourists visiting Bama for vacation and wellness.

　　Hemp oil, commonly known as “longevity hemp” or “longevity oil,” is a pure natural vegetable oil. It is a premium health oil frequently consumed by the ethnic minority populations in the world-famous longevity destination—Bama Yao Autonomous County—and the neighboring counties of Donglan, Fengshan, and Dahua. Rich in trace elements and unsaturated fatty acids, long-term consumption of hemp oil can effectively supplement the essential nutrient alpha-linolenic acid in the human body. It helps lower blood lipids, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, moisturizes the intestines, benefits heart and brain health, and promotes longevity. Bama hemp kernels are rich in proteins and unsaturated fatty acids, along with lecithin, linolenic acid, vitamins, and essential trace minerals such as zinc, manganese, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. The fat content reaches 42.6%, of which unsaturated fatty acids make up 78.1%. Hemp oil has a fragrant taste that is rich but not greasy. It contains nutrients such as oleic acid, unsaturated fatty acids, and linolenic acid, which help moisturize the intestines, nourish deficiencies, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, prevent arteriosclerosis, and protect against coronary heart disease. Research on Bama’s elderly over the past thirty years has found that the incidence of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer among Bama’s centenarians is lower than in other regions, which is closely related to their long-term consumption of hemp.

　　The current administrative region of Bama Yao Autonomous County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

　　Notice on Delimiting the Geographical Indication Product Protection Area for Bama Hemp issued by the People's Government of Bama Yao Autonomous County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Bazhengfa [2012] No. 6)

　　Enterprise Standard Q/BMHM 01-2005 "Bama Hemp" by Guangxi Bama Impression Lifestyle Experience Industry Co., Ltd.

　　 Quality Technical Requirements for Bama Hemp

　　I. Source Plant

　　1 (Cannabis sativa Linn).

　　II. Site Conditions

　　Soil types are mainly limestone-based, with limestone as the parent material. The soil organic matter content is ≥0.8%, and the pH value ranges from 6.5 to 7.0.

　　III. Cultivation Management

　　1. Sowing: Planting takes place between February and March, with a seeding rate of 250g to 500g per 667㎡ (mu).

　　2. Thinning: One month after sowing, thin to 800 to 1200 plants per 667㎡ (mu).

　　3. Fertilization: For a target yield of 15kg per 667㎡ (mu), 100kg of well-rotted organic fertilizer must be applied. Apply boron fertilizer to the soil once every three years, at a rate of 20kg to 30kg per 667㎡ (mu). During the flowering stage, spray 0.03% sodium borate.

　　4. Environmental and Safety Requirements: The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and similar substances must comply with national regulations, and must not cause environmental pollution.

　　IV. Harvesting

　　Harvest when 80% of the hemp seeds are mature, from late October to early November. After harvesting, spread the seeds out to dry promptly.

　　V. Quality Characteristics

　　1. Sensory Characteristics: Hemp seeds are flat and oval-shaped, with pointed tails, hard and brittle shells, smooth surfaces, and glossy brown-black curved patterns.

　　2. Physicochemical Indicators:

　　Item

　　Indicator

　　Protein (%) ≥

　　22.0

　　Fat (%) ≥

　　25.0

　　Vitamin E (IU/Kg) ≥

　　300

　　Moisture content (%) ≤

　　12

　　Thousand-kernel weight (g)

　　15～18

　　Unsaturated fatty acids (%) ≥

　　24

　　3. Safety and other quality technical requirements: The product’s safety and other quality technical requirements must comply with relevant national regulations.