When it comes to making cannabis-infused foods, people are starting to get hip to the nuances that can transform a haphazardly made dish that’s overwhelmed with the taste of weed into a delicious entree or dessert that utilizes cannabis as an influential ingredient, and can bring new levels of flavor to a meal. Understanding terpenes — the aromatic compounds or essential oils found in cannabis — is the key to successfully pairing strains with ingredients that don’t try to mute or mask the taste of weed but instead help to showcase it in a way that enhances the dish.
Interested in diving into this world? We’ll start you off – get started with this quick cheat sheet of some of the most commonly-occurring terpenes.
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Limonene
This energizing, uplifting terpene has a distinct citrus smell and flavor profile. It’s naturally found in fruits like oranges and lemons — particularly in the rind. It can help with reducing depression and anxiety, promote weight loss, and has been shown to help inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.
Find it in: Super Lemon Haze, OG Kush, Durban Poison, Jack Herer
Pairs well with: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruit and tangerines
Try it in: Crispy Artichoke Cakes With Herb Aioli that feature both lemon juice and lemon rind in the recipe or use it to help brighten up and enhance the flavor of this ricotta-pineapple mini canna-crepe soufflé.
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Myrcene
Known for its relaxing and calming properties, myrcene is often found in Indica-dominant strains. It has an earthy, musky scent and a mildly sweet flavor profile that varies slightly depending on the strain. Thanks to its sedative properties, it can provide some relief for