From pot brownies to cannabis cocktails, the world of culinary arts is exploring exciting new arenas with cannabis-inspired cuisine. Not long ago, cooking with cannabis was a covert practice geared mostly towards masking the distinctive taste of the herb for the sake of quick THC extraction. Now, with increased legalization and the burgeoning popularity of edibles, marijuana as a culinary ingredient is being appreciated for its nuanced flavors, as well as its unique interactive characteristics with different foods.
To properly understand this trend, it’s important to recognize that cannabis isn’t all about THC. Like any herb used in cooking, cannabis varietals come with their own flavors and aromas, thanks to terpenes, its aromatic compounds. Incorporating these flavors effectively into dishes means not just throwing herbs into a dish; it requires an understanding of how the flavors in cannabis can complement the flavors in the meal.
A classic starting point for many cannabis-infused recipes is making cannabis butter. The process involves slow-cooking the herb with butter to extract the THC and other active components, while also infusing the butter with the flavor of cannabis. This butter can then be used in a variety of recipes, replacing regular butter in anything from pastries to mashed potatoes.
Other chefs are pushing the boundaries even further, incorporating cannabis into haute cuisine. In cities where cannabis is legal, there are even cannabis-inspired restaurants popping up, providing a fine dining experience complete with cannabis-infused dishes. For example, The Herbal Chef is a high-end dining service in LA that offers a gourmet cannabis-infused 10-course meal prepared by classically trained chefs.
Even drinks are not untouched by this trend. Bartenders (or perhaps “budtenders”) are experimenting with cannabis cocktails, discovering unique ways to use cannabis distillates or even the flower itself to enhance their handcrafted libations. In addition to providing a discreet way to consume cannabis, these cocktails often highlight the herbal, earthy notes of the plant.
For the home-based cook looking to try their hand at cooking with cannabis, there are several tools and resources available. Aside from countless books and online resources, there are now even cannabis cooking classes which can guide beginners through the process of selecting the right strains, proper THC extraction techniques, and of course, how to cook a variety of sumptuous dishes.
Admittedly, cooking with cannabis requires an extra level of attention and responsibility. Guidelines for safe and responsible use need to be followed rigorously. Dosing, for one, is an important aspect. With edibles, the effects are slower to set in and tend to last longer. Under-dosing can be as disappointing as an entree that is under-seasoned, but over-dosing would be akin to serving a meal that is unpalatably salty. However, with caution, accurate measurements, and the guidance from experienced hands, cooking with cannabis can be a rewarding culinary adventure.
In conclusion, it’s a fascinating time for food enthusiasts and cannabis advocates alike. From traditional recipes getting a cannabis-twist to novel culinary creations, the world of cannabis cuisine offers a captivating way to experience the beloved herb. Just remember, like any culinary endeavor, achieving excellence in cooking with cannabis takes time, practice, and a whole lot of taste testing.
