CBD has many uses, both in and outside of the kitchen, here are some useful tips for cooking with this, now mainstream, cannabinoid.
Ever since the decriminalisation of cannabis in 2018, the use of cannabis, and cannabis-related products has skyrocketed, pushing cannabis and its culture right into the mainstream. The use of cannabidiol (CBD) has also become somewhat mainstream, with many boasting of its health benefits and its positive effects on their mental and physical wellbeing. It’s no surprise then that the culinary world has also taken a liking to its use, with many chefs across the globe using it in their dishes and even opening CBD and cannabis-themed restaurants.
What is CBD?
Before we jump into cooking with the good kush, it’s important to know what exactly CBD is and how it works. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, along with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Unlike THC, CBD does not induce a high and its effects are a little more subtle, hence its use for relief of sleeping, mental and physical ailments.
Tips for cooking with CBD:
Cooking with CBD can certainly be a fun and experimental experience, but there are certain precautions one always needs to take when trying anything new, including checking with a doctor to see if you’re medically sound to start trying CBD-infused products.
- Be wary of heat
Heat decreases the effectiveness of CBD and can change the chemical makeup of the compound, so it’s always a good idea to stick to recipes that bake or cook below 176°C. A good rule of thumb is to simply avoid letting your CBD-infused foods reach boiling point, to avoid a change of state. If you want to avoid the heat altogether to get the full CBD experience, you can always just stick to adding CBD to any oil-based recipes like sauces or dressings.
- Be mindful of other substances that can interact with CBD
When eating CBD-infused food, it is always a good idea to check with a doctor if any medications you are on could interact with it and impact your health. If you are consuming alcohol with your CBD, it’s also a good idea to let someone else drive you home, if you’re eating out. Also always remember to inform someone if there is CBD in their food before you serve it to them, they have the right to know.
- Keep in mind that CBD is fat soluble
CBD is fat-soluble, meaning that it pairs well with other fat-containing foods. Your body will best absorb them if they are paired with other fats and oils like olive, avocado or even coconut oil. Having these types of oil will give the CBD something to cling to, enhancing the effects of the CBD.
- Start simple
When cooking with CBD, it’s best not to just dive right into the deep end and rather ease yourself in with simple recipes before taking on the whole shebang. Instead of reaching immediately jumping into the frying pan, experts recommend you start with adding CBD as a dressing to salads or adding a few drops into a smoothie or cup of coffee. Once you’ve mastered the art of CBD-infused beverages and salads, you can start creating whatever CBD-infused masterpiece you want and just jump right into it.
Whatever it is you’re cooking, just keep these tips in mind and you should be fine.
Cooking with CBD can be a fun and rewarding experience if you know how to do it right. Just remember to keep these tips in mind and you’ll become a CBD connoisseur in no time!
