There are many unique herbs that can be added to your favorite ingredients, from lemon thyme to pineapple sage— but have you ever considered cooking with CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol in full, is one of the active ingredients in the cannabis plant. This chemical compound is a natural substance that does not feature any psychoactive properties, unlike its sister-compound THC.
CBD has quickly found its way out of the shadows and into mainstream culture. There is a growing list of products to incorporate CBD with, from edibles to skincare. Recently, the culinary industry has embraced CBD in order to diversify the options available to today’s customers.
When it comes to cooking with CBD, there are a few important things to be mindful of. Here’s what you should know:
How to Select the Right Oil
Before you heat the stove or begin mixing ingredients, it’s important to know the type of oil you prefer to use in your recipe. You may be more comfortable with a lower or higher dose than other consumers, which is why there are so many types of oils currently on the market.
Quality is essential when selecting your CBD oils. Without quality, you’re likely overpaying for a product that does not offer enough of the therapeutic benefits CBD promises to provide. The price of the oil you’re considering can be a helpful indicator of its quality — the lower the price, the more likely it is that this strain could contain toxins.
Explore Recipes That Pair Well with CBD
According to the CBD experts at Olli Brands, the recipe you select can essentially make or break your CBD cooking experience. If you select a recipe that does not absorb the oil well, you’ll likely experience a more potent, unpleasant taste as opposed to a blended mix of oil and other ingredients.
Many CBD recipes on the market are designated to baked goods, which is often because ingredients like chocolate and sugar can mask the bitter taste of CBD. If you prefer to cook instead of baking your CBD, try infusing the oil into fat or oil-based ingredients like butter or coconut oil.
It’s important to avoid any water or alcohol-based recipes, as it won’t absorb the CBD oil the same way healthy fats will.
Storing your CBD Oil
When you’re finished experimenting with CBD in the kitchen, it’s essential to correctly store your products in order to keep their longevity and potency — just as you would with your quality cooking oils. When storing CBD, avoid heat and light and keep them in cool, dark places, such as a pantry or cupboard. When storing, be sure to keep them in a sealed container to prevent excess moisture, light, and heat from compromising the product.
When correctly stored, your CBD oil should last at least a year, if not longer. Once you’ve mastered your favorite recipes, that shelf life should be plenty — since you’ll likely cook often and will go through more than one bottle per year. Keep your CBD out of reach of any small children and pets, and enjoy your culinary experience.
