Cooking a pot of brownies, baking cookies, or frying some seasoned chicken can be loads of fun when you’re doing it with someone special. However, cooking your edibles can be done alone as well. It is a matter of personal wishes and preferences, but that does not mean that you should ignore the fact that all kinds of cannabis-infused food are not only delicious but also relatively easy to prepare. If you are new to cooking with cannabis, here are some expert tips to help you get started.
1. Choose The Right Strain
Cooking starts when you gather your raw ingredients. When making cannabis edibles from scratch, you will need to decarboxylate your cannabis. This is a necessary step that activates the THC in the plant to absorb the food. One way to do this is to grind up your cannabis and bake it in the oven at 240 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 minutes. There is a wide range of edibles that you can buy or make. The strain of cannabis you choose to cook with will affect the result. For example, if you are cooking a sweet dish, you might want to use a high CBD and low THC strain. If you are making something savory, on the other hand, you might want to use a strain that is high in THC.
2. Know Your Ratios
As with any recipe, you need to know the ratios of the ingredients to make an adequately proportioned dish. When cooking with cannabis, you will need to use a higher ratio of herb to oil than you would for an ordinary dish. For example, if you make brownies, you would use 1 cup of ground cannabis for every 2 cups of oil. However, it is always best to start small and work your way up if needed. You can always add more cannabis if the desired effect is not reached, but it is much harder to subtract once it is already in the food.
3. Use The Right Cooking Methods
There are several different ways that you can cook with cannabis. Some people prefer to use the raw method, while others prefer the cooked form. The raw method is to add the cannabis to the dish before cooking. The cooked method is to cook the cannabis with the other ingredients in a separate pot. Each of these methods has its benefits and drawbacks. The raw process is said to preserve more cannabinoids, but it can be more challenging to do correctly. The cooked method is easier to dose accurately, but some cannabinoids may be lost in the cooking process.
4. Use Fatty Ingredients
When cooking with cannabis, you will want to use fatty ingredients. THC is fat-soluble, meaning that it needs fat to be absorbed by the body. Some good examples of fatty components include butter, oil, milk, and cream. If you are trying to be healthy, you can also use avocado or nuts.
5. Add Low-heat Ingredients Last
If you are using the cooked method, it is crucial to add the low-heat ingredients last. They will cook at a lower temperature, and you do not want them to burn. Some good examples of low-heat ingredients include vegetables and fruits. Once you have added all of your ingredients, it is time to let the food cook. Depending on the dish, this will usually take 30 minutes to an hour. Be sure to keep an eye on it not to burn.
6. Be Patient
Cannabis edibles take time to take effect. Unlike smoking or vaping, which delivers the THC almost immediately into the bloodstream, edibles must be digested first. This means that it can take up to two hours to feel the full effects. It is also important to remember that the results of edibles can last for several hours, so do not overdo it. Start with a small amount and then wait at least an hour before eating more. Do not eat more edibles than you need just because you are impatient. Start with a low dose and wait for it to take effect before increasing the dosage.
7. Store Properly
When you are finished cooking, be sure to store your edibles in a cool, dark place. This will help to preserve the THC and keep them fresh. Do not store them in the fridge, as the cold will cause them to spoil faster. This is because the THC can degrade over time and lose its potency. It is best to store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. You can also freeze them to help extend their shelf life.
Cooking with cannabis is a great way to enjoy the benefits of this fantastic plant without having to smoke it. So get out your pots and pans, and get cooking. By following these simple tips, you can create delicious and potent edibles that will provide you with all of the benefits of cannabis without having to smoke it.
