TERPENES & SPICES: A DELICIOUS ADD-ONS FOR COOKING

Terpenes are organic compounds found in fruits, vegetables, plants, and flowers that have a host of different scents and flavors derived from the plant, fruit, and flower.

Insects are attracted to them for pollination, and predators are repelled by them. Terpenes are responsible for a wide range of beneficial effects beyond making food smell and taste delicious. There are distinct effects associated with each terpene. Using lavender’s terpene, linalool, as a way to reduce anxiety and relieve stress is considered effective. The terpene limonene, which is found in citrus, for instance, can ease heartburn and boost metabolism.

Terpenes Are Also Responsible For The Taste And Smell

The taste and smell of cannabis are also influenced by terpenes. Each cannabis strain has a unique makeup of terpenes dominant in the blend. A total of over 100 different types of terpenes have been found in the cannabis plant. This explains why the plant has a skunky smell, a floral scent, and a piney smell. 

Due to the large concentrations of limonene in some cannabis strains, the terpene limonene gives these strains notes of lemon and lime. Terpenes found in cannabis are pretty awesome, but perhaps most fascinating is the way they interact with cannabinoids, most notably tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

The Encouraging Effect Of Terpenes

According to the “encouraging effect,” terpenes and cannabinoids interact to produce a number of therapeutic effects together. CBD, THC, and terpenes work together as a group to produce better results than they could be obtained individually. THC, CBD, and terpene content, along with the presence of certain constituents, contribute to the psychological and physical effects of a strain. It might explain why some medical conditions seem to benefit from one strain more than others with similar THC levels.

Due to the fact that cannabis has been illegal for decades, there are not enough studies to verify the entourage effect. Despite being aware of the nuances associated with cannabis connoisseurship, we have only begun to scratch the surface. Researchers are studying the health benefits of cannabis terpenes and the flavours and smells they may offer the palate through this emerging research. Visit https://www.growingmarijuanablog.com/ to learn more.

Honey Tart with Chamomile and Lavender Enhanced With Terpenes

Tarts with terpenes are said to be beneficial for stress relief. It is also found in lavender, has anti-anxiety properties, and can help you relax and sleep better. The cannabis terpene Bisabolol also comes from chamomile, and it also can help relax you and improve your sleep. As an afternoon tea treat or for dessert after dinner, this tart is ideal.

A number of cannabis strains contain a high level of linalool, such as LA Confidential, Amnesia Haze, and Lavender.

PREPARING THE INGREDIENTS

• 1 and a quarter cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1and half tbsp lemon juice
• 4 to 5 tsp ice water
• For the custard:
• 2 cups table cream
• 3 tbsp loose chamomile tea (or 2 tea bags)
• 1 tbsp dry lavender
• 2 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 cardamom pods
• 3 egg yolks
• quarter cup granulated sugar
• half cup wildflower honey
• 1 cup mascarpone cheese
• Edible flowers (optional)

PROCEDURES

1.  Melt the butter and add sugar, salt, and flour to a food processor. Blend butter until it is evenly distributed and the pieces are pea-sized.
2.  Put lemon juice in the processor and pulse. Through the top spout, add water a teaspoon at a time into the food processor. A smooth ball of dough should form.
3.  Refrigerate the dough for at least 1 hour after forming a disc and wrapping it in plastic.
4.  While the cream is heating, begin preparing the tart filling. Remove from heat after bringing to a simmer. To the cream, add lavender, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom pods. The steam should remain for a minimum of one hour or a maximum of three hours.

Phase 2 PROCEDURES

1. The dough will form a smooth, circular shape when rolled out on a floured surface. The circle will be around 12 inches in diameter and 14 inches thick.
2. Prepare the oven by preheating it to 425 degrees. You will need a removable bottom tart pan measuring 9 inches. Press the dough gently into and up the sides of the tart pan once it has been rolled out. Excess dough should be discarded. If it appears overly dry, poke it several times with a fork (to release steam). A sheet of parchment paper should be placed over the dough, and baking beans should be layered evenly over it. On a baking sheet, set the tart pan.
3. Approximately 12 minutes later, the crust will turn golden. Take out the baking beans and throw them away after removing them from the oven. Reheat for a further 10 minutes.
4. Temperature should be reduced to 350°F in the oven. Melt sugar and honey together in a bowl. Beat egg yolks until smooth.
5. The cream should be strained and the cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom pods discarded. Put the cream back into a small pot and gently simmer it once more.
6.  Adding approximately 14.5 cups of cream to the egg mixture and whisking gently will temper it. Put the egg mixture and remaining cream into the pot. Mixture should be heated on low until it thickens enough that it coats the back of a spoon, stirring constantly.

Phase 3 PROCEDURES

1.  Mix in mascarpone cheese and stir until mixture is smooth and uniform.
2.  Fill the tart shell with the mixture. About 40 minutes later, the custard should be set. Despite a slight jiggle, the custard will continue to set after being removed from the oven. Wait 30 minutes for it to reach room temperature.
3.  Serve garnished with edible flowers.

As a result

The terpenes in cannabis have inspired me to create a few recipes. Obviously, these recipes do not contain any cannabis, so if you’re worried about getting high or for someone you’re cooking for, do not worry.

Cannabis isn’t the only plant with terpenes.

Terpenes are found in most plants and foods. Lemongrass, bay leaves, and mangoes contain myrcene; peppermint, rosemary, and fruit rinds contain limonene. Food and plants smell this way because of fragrant chemicals called hydrocarbons.