The public stance on marijuana has changed after the official legalization of the substance in the U.S. It is no longer seen as a recreational substance as people acclaim it for medicinal benefits as well. The growing popularity has opened up the market, with a truly incredible range of options out there. While you may try one of the ready products, there is also the option of experimenting with an edible recipe if you are a cooking enthusiast.
Even as home-baked cookies and brownies are all-time classics, you may try something unconventional as well. However, stirring up something that is potent and tastes good requires expertise and knowledge. So it makes sense to understand the nitty-gritty of cooking with weed before you take the plunge. Here is some useful advice from experts for first-time home chefs.
Collect the ingredients
The most obvious thing to do before getting started is gathering your ingredients. You wouldn’t want to run short of anything at the last moment. Pick a simple recipe to start because it cuts down the risk of errors as a newbie. Assemble all the ingredients while focusing on quality. Apart from the ingredients, you will also need the right equipment at this stage. A weed grinder is something you will require in addition to the regular accessories. Kitchen scales are a must because you need to measure precisely when cooking with cannabis.
Choose your strain judiciously
When it comes to preparing edibles with weed, the choice of strain is important because it decides the taste, potency, and effects of the recipe. Some strains get you high, while others set a sedative feeling. So it is vital to know your strains well. For example, you can try purple space cookies if you want to cook an edible that induces relaxation and makes you feel food. Ideally, stick to milder strains as a beginner and also cook with low quantities. Gradually, you can go stronger and higher as you gain confidence and become a seasoned cannabis chef.
Don’t forget to clean and decarboxylate
Since cannabis grows outdoors, cleaning the flower is essential to get rid of dirt and bacteria before going ahead. Decarboxylation is another step you cannot miss out on because it unlocks the psychoactive effects of the herb. Unless you heat it properly, you may end up getting nothing from the edible except taste. For decarboxylating the herb, you need to heat it to just the right temperature because going too high can result in lower potency, which is the last thing you would want to happen.
Freeze the leftovers to keep them fresh and usable
While you have to be careful with measuring and heating while cooking weed recipes, proper preservation is equally important. If you cannot consume the edible right away, simply store it in the freezer to maintain freshness and integrity. If you have a leftover brownie, just pack in a container and stash it in the freezer. You can relish it later with an ice-cream topping.
As long as you are good with measurements and temperature control, cooking with cannabis need not be rocket science. Just go ahead confidently and experiment with something new every time!
