When you cut a lemon or rub a bunch of mint between your fingers, what you’re smelling are terpenes. These organic compounds are found in plants, fruits, vegetables, and even insects, and they’re what makes them smell and taste the way that they do.
Terpenes can also be found in the marijuana plant, alongside tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Individual terpenes can have their own therapeutic effects when consumed alone, and when combined with THC and CBD these effects are said to be enhanced by what’s known as the ‘entourage effect.’
With smell, taste, and health benefits combined, really, it’s no surprise that budding risk-takers in the F&B business are experimenting with these aromatic oils.
Here are three ways you can sample terpene flavorings in your food and drink right now:
Fine dining
Earlier in May, Chef Holden Jagger of Altered Plates in Los Angeles held an exquisite dinner event with every course featuring cannabis terpenes. The menu included a carrot–tangerine soup with smoked parsnip and black lime terpene, alongside lemongrass-braised beef ribs with jasmine-scented barley.
Chocolate
Chocolate already has a strong, unique
flavor which makes it an obvious choice for an edible.
Lulu’s Chocolate out of California has been producing chocolate since 2006, more
recently her CBD and terpene-infused chocolate and was chosen as one of the top
14 CBD products of 2018 by NY Mag. The terpene profile has been designed to
relax the consumer and has an added 20mg of CBD per quarter ounce.
Craft Beer
The craft beer industry is no stranger to experimentation, and several South Florida breweries have successfully brought their terp-infused creations to market.
Devor Brewing Company’s Florida Thunder IPA features terpenes from the Sour OG strain featuring pine, lemon, and earthy undertones.
Odd Breed Wild Ales’ Resin on My Thumbs is infused with terpenes from the Lemon Kush and G-13 strains – it’s woody, herby and spicy!
Twisted Trunk’s One-Hitter Session IPA is infused with White Widow for a herbal and peppery sensation.
