In recent years, people have come to appreciate quality cannabis like they do gourmet drinks and culinary experiences; cannabis connoisseurs are exploring how to pair this versatile plant with their favorites. This guide will help you learn how to pair cannabis with drinks and food while understanding the importance of flavor and origin.
Understanding Terpenes: The Nose Knows
Of the thousands of plant compounds in cannabis, one of the most important are terpenes. These aromatic compounds define the unique aroma and flavor of each specific cannabis strain. Though terpenes provide the fragrant essence of a cannabis cultivar, they can also unlock specific effects and therapeutic potential.
Some common terpenes include:
- Limonene: A citrusy tang and often associated with uplifting moods.
- Linalool: Found in lavender, this terpene has a floral scent and is loved for its calming effects.
- Myrcene: Peppery and earthy, myrcene has relaxing and sedative properties.
When we consume cannabis, the interaction of terpenes and the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD produces what is known as the Entourage Effect. By identifying the terpene profiles in our cannabis, we can tailor our experience based on the specific terpenes and their effects.
Cannabis Terroir & Appellation
When we talk about terroir, we’re referring to the unique environmental factors that give a product its signature flavor, aroma, and overall character. These environmental factors could be anything from climate, soil, elevation, or even the microbes in the ground.
That same concept can be seen with cannabis, meaning where a plant is grown can make all the difference in how it smells, tastes, and affects you.
In general, a cannabis plant is susceptible to its environment. A cannabis strain grown in Mendocino versus one that is grown in a high desert climate will express itself differently, meaning its cannabinoid content or aroma and flavor profile is unique.
That’s what makes terroir such a powerful concept for cannabis connoisseurs and cultivators alike. The result of quality-grown cannabis depends on genetics, but it also relies on the surrounding environment that shapes the plant.
Appellation is another classification system that ties a product to a specific region. (For instance, Kona coffee from Hawaii.)
Cannabis appellation is emerging, especially in legacy growing regions like Northern California, known as the terroir of the Emerald Triangle. This region produces uniquely expressive sun-grown flower with rich terpene profiles and potent effects.
Terroir and appellation are continuously growing as a standard classification for cannabis. However, terroir and appellation have always been strong indicators of quality and flavor for substances like coffee.
That’s why it’s important to pay attention to this classification when pairing cannabis with drinks or food. Just like a single-origin roast, craft cannabis deserves the same level of quality recognition.
How to Pair Food with Cannabis
Food and cannabis are natural companions because of their shared terpenes. Aromatic terpenes like linalool complement lavender teas and desserts, while the citrusy zing of limonene pairs well with bright, acidic dishes.
By considering both the flavor and origin of cannabis, you can create intentional pairings that elevate the flavor and enjoyment of your meal.
The psychoactive compound of cannabis, THC, can also turn simple dining to an elevated multi-sensory experience.
- A low-dose edible before dinner can enhance the food’s flavor and your sensory experience.
- You can even opt for ingredient-complementary cannabis strains to smoke between courses.
Just as chefs source local, seasonal ingredients, cannabis enthusiasts should consider the flavors, sensations, and effects when pairing cannabis with food.
Coffee & Cannabis
Cannabis and coffee make a harmonious duo, especially when you consider their shared connection to terroir. Where they’re grown significantly influences their aroma and flavor profiles—factors like elevation, soil type, and climate all shape their unique sensory expression.
The diverse terpenes and flavonoids found in both coffee beans and cannabis strains create a complementary experience, blending cannabis’s euphoric effects with coffee’s focus and alertness.
Coffee is also psychoactive—it acts as a stimulant that affects the central nervous system (CNS). Depending on how you consume cannabis, it interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), which works alongside systems like the CNS to regulate various physiological functions.
- Depending on its cannabinoid and terpene content, a coffee or cannabis cultivar can either elevate or relax your pairing experience.
- A light roast paired with a terpene-rich hybrid can energize the morning without the jitters.
This connection between cannabis and coffee is a thoughtfully curated match involving origin, flavor, and effect. It’s a great mindful practice to add to your daily morning rituals!
Try This at Home: Cannabis Mocktail Recipe
With a greater understanding of how terpene and flavor profiles of cannabis can be paired, why not test out your tastebuds in the kitchen? Try this simply refreshing cannabis mocktail recipe, the Canna-Citrus Spritz, perfect for a social night out or lounging by the pool.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup sparkling water
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1 tsp agave syrup
- 5–10 mg cannabis tincture
Browse our menu to find the perfect cannabis tincture for your mocktail, tailored to your desired flavor and dose. Then, mix the ingredients together in a glass. Add in ice, stir, and garnish with a citrus slice. Now sip and relax!
Shop Kind Love’s High-Quality Flower for Cannabis Pairing
Discovering the art of pairing cannabis with food and coffee can elevate your sensory experiences to new heights. If you’re ready to enhance your cannabis journey, visit Kind Love dispensary in Denver, to shop our wide selection of high-quality flower grown from our in-house cultivation.
Grown and crafted by our expert cultivation team, our curated strains have rich terpene profiles and robust flavor. Each is uniquely one-of-a-kind and perfect for enhancing your next culinary endeavor. Don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your palate! Stop by a Kind Love dispensary near you (with locations in Glendale and Morris Heights) to shop our selection today. Read our Blog for more consumer tips and cannabis education.
The content provided by Kind Love is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or opinions. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any medical concerns or questions.
