By Roddrick Taylor Chef and Certified Ganjier
Pairing cannabis with cuisine can enhance your culinary experience by complementing or contrasting flavors and effects. As a chef and cannabis sommelier ( Certified Ganjier ), I now pair my cannabis with my dining experience like wine or coffee. I find that the correct pairing of cannabis and cuisine not only enhances the food element but the high as well. Heres a guide to help you pair food with cannabis effectively.
Understanding Cannabis Flavors and Aromas
Cannabis cultivars have a wide range of flavors and aromas, often described as Essence: fruity, sweet, floral, earth fuel, umami and other familiar tastes. These flavors come from terpenes, aromatic compounds found in both cannabis and various foods.
- Citrusy Cultivars: cannabis terpenes high in limonene like ( Super Lemon Haze or Lemon Skunk ) have a citrusy flavor and pairs well with seafood, salads and desserts.
- Earthy and Piney Cultivars: cannabis terpenes high in pinene such as ( Jack Herer or Blue Dream ) have an earthy or piney aroma, which compliments roasted meats, mushrooms and hearty stews.
- Fruity Cultivars: Cannabis terpenes high in myrcene like ( Strawberry Cough or Blueberry ) have a fruity flavor and go well with fruit salad, desserts and other sweet dishes.
- Herbal and Spicy Cultivars: cannabis high in caryophyllene like ( Girl Scout Cookies or Sour Diesel ) have an herbal or spicy flavor and are perfect with spicy foods, grilled vegetables, and savory dishes.
Considering the Effects
Pairing cannabis with food is very similar to wine pairing. It isn’t just about flavor; it’s also about the desired effects.
- Sativa Strains: known for their uplifting and energizing effects, sativa like ( Durban Poison or Green Crack ) are great for daytime meals or brunch, pairing with lighter, energizing foods like salads, citrus fruits and light proteins.
- Indica Strains: these are typically more relaxing or sedative, like ( Northern Lights or Granddaddy Purple ), making them suitable for evening meals. They pair well with comfort foods, rich desserts and hearty dishes.
- Hybrid Cultivars: These can provide a balanced experience and are versatile for pairing with a variety of meals, depending on the dominant effects.
Pairing Techniques
- Flavor Matching: Choose cannabis and foods with similar flavors to create harmony. For example pair a lemon – flavored cultivar with a dish like lemon chicken or lemon bars.
- Contrasting Flavors: Pair contrasting flavors to create a complex and and exciting taste experience. A sweet cultivar can balance a spicy dish, while an earthy cultivar will compliment a sweet dessert.
- Infused Ingredients: Use liquid cannabis nano technology, cannabis – infused oils, or butter in your recipes to integrate the flavors and effects directly into the dish. This works well with baked goods, sauces and dressings.
Example Pairings
- Lemon Skunk with Greek Lemon Chicken: The citrus notes of the Lemon Skunk enhance the Greek lemon chicken creating a cohesive flavor profile.
- Blue Dream with Berry Dessert: The blueberry flavors in the Blue Dream compliment berry desserts like blueberry pie or mixed berry sorbet.
- Sour Diesel with Spicy Mahi Tacos: The spicy herbal notes of Sour Diesel add an extra layer of complexity to spicy mahi tacos, balancing the heat with a rich, earthy undertone.
- Granddaddy Purple with Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake: The rich sweet flavors of Granddaddy Purple enhance the decadent taste of chocolate, making for a perfect dessert pairing.
Tips For Safe Consumption
- Start Low and Go Slow MED ( Minimum Effective Dose ): Consuming the Minimum Effective Dose, is very important. You can always add a little more but you can’t take the effects away if you have consumed too much. Especially if you are infusing food with cannabis, start with a low dose and wait to feel the effects before consuming more.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and counter act any dry mouth effects from cannabis.
- Be Mindful of Time: Pairing cannabis with meals can enhance the experience, but be mindful of timing, set and setting, ensuring its appropriate for the desired effects.
By considering both the flavor profiles and the effects of cannabis cultivars, you can create a harmonious and enjoyable culinary experience.