When it comes to flavor-pairing in the kitchen, one of the first things to come to mind is wine and cheese. Why? Because the rich, “throaty” flavors in wine, like a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, pair incredibly well with the pungent taste of aged cheddar or gouda—Duh.
But what about CBD? What flavors are picked up from the terpenes involved with a full spectrum oil that would compliment a home cooked meal or craft cocktail? Seabedee is here to spill the beans on how to craft your favorite foods into CBD infused, terpene forward, dishes. In no time you’ll be a CBD-cooking connoisseur. Here’s some pro-tips and tricks to get you started. But first, what are terpenes anyways?
Terpenes (In A Nutshell)
Terpenes are readily sourced from cannabis and carry potent flavors and aromas that enhance your cannabis experience. CBD oil, which is derived from the cannabis plant, typically involves several other cannabinoids and terpenes in the mix. When all these cannabis compounds are combined, they work together to maximize the benefits of CBD (this is known as the entourage effect). Terpenes deliver prominent flavors and aromas, and for that reason terpenes pair excellently with tasty dishes and delicacies.
How To Utilize CBD & Terpenes In The Kitchen
Terpenes are primarily known for their scent profiles, which is why the first step to pairing lies in the scent. What are you eating and what does it smell like? What scent does the terpenes in your CBD oil smell like? As humans we tend to associate taste and flavor with scent and smell, making this first step critical to a successful pairing.
Once you’ve found a CBD oil with a tasteful terpene profile, you can either enhance or contrast it with the taste profile of your food/beverage. For example, the terpene Beta Caryophyllene has a prominent sweet-and-spicy profile with notes of woody clover. The flavors and aromas produced by this terpene pair exquisitely with bread for a black pepper-forward, glutenous taste. Seabedee uses a proprietary terpene blend in all of our CBD Oils and CBD Bundles. Our proprietary terpene blend includes beta caryophyllene in the mix, which you could use to enhance the flavors in your favorite dishes and drinks! Cook and concoct yours terpene treat today and visit our online shop to purchase your full spectrum CBD Oil.
Another important thing to consider is the intensity and potency of the terpenes, as well as the given food or drink. Your goal will be to find the right balance of flavor intensities on both ends, so make sure to consider which flavors you enjoy dominantly versus the ones you’d prefer slight notes of.
The Most Tasteful Terpenes To Pair With Foods & Drinks:
Limonene: This terpene is known for its sharp, citrusy scent and slightly tart flavor. It pretty much pairs nicely with anything you’d add a squeeze of lime or lemon to.
Pairs Well With…
Food: Ceviche, fish tacos, or avocado toast.
Drinks: Energy drink, fruit smoothie, or plain ol water.
Myrcene: This commonly known terpene gives off an earthy, almost spicy, scent with notes of cloves and orange zest. For this reason, it pairs nicely with rich and robust flavors.
Pairs Well With…
Food: Crisp french bread, salted nuts, cheese, fruit jams or cured meats.
Drinks: Green tea, mango tea or a citrus energy drink.
Linalool: This terpene is much more floral-forward than the previous two, and pairs well with foods and drinks that mimic its herbally profile.
Pairs Well With…
Food: Lemon pound cake, italian herbs and cheese, or lavender-infused baked goods.
Drinks: Chamomile tea, coffee or a floral-forward cocktail.
Pinene: This terpene’s name is a dead giveaway to the taste and flavor profile: pine. It is said to have a slightly herbal profile that resembles that of rosemary or basil.
Pairs Well With…
Food: herb-crusted chicken, roasted pork chops, or chicken chop salad.
Drinks: Kombucha, IPAs, or herbal teas.
Humulene: Last but not least is humulene, which is known for its role in craft beer production. It has earthy, woody and floral notes, considerably close to the flavors found in an IPA.
Pairs Well With…
Food: Chocolate chip cookies, salted caramel ice cream, or a summer salad.
Drinks: Craft beer, Coffee, or a cold spritz.
Sources:
https://trueterpenes.com/how-to/pair-terpenes-food-drinks/
https://www.notyourmomskitchen.com/blog/terpenes-101-weed-and-food-pairing
