Learn How Fresh Herbs Marry Cannabis Flavors Into Edibles Recipes On Infused Eats Deeper Dives Episode 1

Terpenes, Terpenoids and Flavonoids

Terpenes, terpenoids and flavonoids are the organic chemical compounds found in plants that give them their flavor and aroma. Many common culinary herbs also have common terpenes with cannabis plants. Rather than burying the flavor of cannabis in infused recipes under a ton of sugar or chocolate, you can use these common terpenes to marry the cannabis flavors into the recipe. By welcoming the flavor into the recipe you can open up the door to a vast amount of infused foods that are truly delicious, and not just barely tolerable.

Common Herbs & Common Cannabis Terpenes

Sweet Basil – Terpene: Myrcene (Fruity, earthy, clove-like)

Basil is one of the most common culinary herbs with hundreds of varieties available such as lemon, cinnamon and even chocolate basil varieties. Sweet basil is the most commonly used. The most abundant terpene in cannabis plants is Myrcene which is also found in basil among other herbs. It is characterized as having an earthy or musky clove-like and fruity aroma. It is associated with sedative and pain relieving effects.

Basil is one of the most common culinary herbs with hundreds of varieties available such as lemon, cinnamon and even chocolate basil varieties. Sweet basil is the most commonly used. The most abundant terpene in cannabis plants is Myrcene which is also found in basil among other herbs. It is characterized as having an earthy or musky clove-like and fruity aroma. It is associated with sedative and pain relieving effects. Oregano – Terpene: Caryophyllene (Spicy, peppery)

Another commonly used herb is oregano which gets part if it’s peppery bite from the presence of the terpene Caryophyllene, especially Spicy Oregano as shown here. Caryophyllene also contributes to some cannabis strains’ black pepper aroma. And it’s the only terpene specifically known to bind to the CB2 receptor of our endocannabinoid system.

Another commonly used herb is oregano which gets part if it’s peppery bite from the presence of the terpene Caryophyllene, especially Spicy Oregano as shown here. Caryophyllene also contributes to some cannabis strains’ black pepper aroma. And it’s the only terpene specifically known to bind to the CB2 receptor of our endocannabinoid system. Thyme – Terpene: Humulene (Spicy, herbaceous, hoppy)

A relative of Oregano and fellow member of the mint family of plants is Thyme. Often paired with rosemary for culinary use it also is known for it’s medicinal properties partly due to the presence of Humulene. Humulene is the terpene that gives hops it’s distinctive “hoppines” and is does the same for many cannabis strains.

A relative of Oregano and fellow member of the mint family of plants is Thyme. Often paired with rosemary for culinary use it also is known for it’s medicinal properties partly due to the presence of Humulene. Humulene is the terpene that gives hops it’s distinctive “hoppines” and is does the same for many cannabis strains. Rosemary – Terpene: Pinene (Pine) Limonene (Citrus)

Because of it’s an evergreen plant with needle like leaves and strong a pine scent Rosemary is often confused as a Conifer, but it’s not. But it does share strongly with Pine trees in the terpene known as Pinene, one of the more common terpenes in cannabis plants obviously contributing strongly to the pine scent. And another very common terpene in cannabis is Limonene which is mainly responsible for the citrus aromas common in so many cannabis strains. Limonene is also prevalent in the Rosemary plant which is what makes Rosemary one of the best herbs to use in savory cannabis infused recipes.

Because of it’s an evergreen plant with needle like leaves and strong a pine scent Rosemary is often confused as a Conifer, but it’s not. But it does share strongly with Pine trees in the terpene known as Pinene, one of the more common terpenes in cannabis plants obviously contributing strongly to the pine scent. And another very common terpene in cannabis is Limonene which is mainly responsible for the citrus aromas common in so many cannabis strains. Limonene is also prevalent in the Rosemary plant which is what makes Rosemary one of the best herbs to use in savory cannabis infused recipes. Sage – Terpene: Terpinolene (Piney, woody, floral, citrus)

One of my favorite herbs to pair with cannabis is Sage with it’s long cultural history as a ceremonial, medicinal and culinary staple. It, like most all of the herbs here, shares multiple terpenes with cannabis strains but Terpinolene may be shared with the most. Although it is often the least prevalent among the cannabinoids, it is present in most strains and largely responsible for the overall aroma of cannabis due to it’s piney, woody, floral and citrus qualities. Sage is a perfect herbal companion to cannabis infused recipes.

Cannabis Infused Recipes Using Fresh Herbs

The recipes below exemplify a few methods you can use to incorporate fresh herbs into savory cannabis infused recipes. From high-speed blending to long slow sous-vide methods let’s take a deeper dive into fresh herbs in cannabis recipes.

Infused Garlic Herb Cheese Bread By InfusedEats Tangy fresh garlic and zesty herbs round out the taste of this cheesy cannabis infused pull-apart garlic bread.

A food processor is used to infused the herbs into cannabutter in this simple but delicious Cannabis Infused Garlic Herb Cheese Bread recipe.

Savory Cannabis Butternut Cream Soup By InfusedEats Savory soup made with winter squash and cannabis may not have been on your mind, but trust me, you want this!

In this recipe for Savory Roasted Butternut Squash Soup fresh sage is steeped in a broth of cannabutter, water, celery and onions to provide a soup base for a delicious savory cannabis infused soup.

Sous Vide Cannabutter Infused Herb Chicken Breast By InfusedEats Savory slow-cooked moist and succulent cannabutter infused "herbed" chicken breast recipe using the sous-vide method.

Cannabis infused butter is combined with regular butter to adhere rosemary, thyme and sage to chicken breast in this recipe for Sous-vide Cannabis Infused Herbed Chicken.

Now you know how the terpenes in herbs and cannabis can complement each other in recipes.

Please browse all of our cannabis infused recipes here: https://www.infusedeats.com/browse-recipes/

Music Attribution:

“As I Figure” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

“Backbay Lounge” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/