The culinary world is one of the most experimental industries in the consumer market. From food trucks to cake pops, the sky’s the limit when it comes to food and beverages. Recently, the cannabinoid market— also known as CBD, has merged with the culinary industry. It operates as a non-intoxicating healer for many consumers with anxiety or chronic pain — and now, it looks like it’s making its way into the kitchen.
Whether it’s tea-infused beverages or cannabis gummies, the list of possibilities keeps growing. If you’re a first-time CBD user, it’s always best to start small and see how your body reacts. As time goes on, just like adding any new ingredient, you can experiment with a higher dosage.
Thinking about cooking with CBD oil? Here are our tips for adding this new ingredient to your dishes.
Research Before Using
Like any new ingredient, it’s essential to conduct enough research that you’re left without any unanswered questions. Generally, CBD oil falls into three categories — isolate powder, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum oil. Each consumer is unique — depending on your desired result, you may benefit from a different variety than another user.
When you’ve settled on isolate, broad-spectrum, or full-spectrum, it’s essential that you research the cannabis companies on the market. Quality CBD oil will impact your recipe and your overall health. Ensure the company you prefer uses the ingredients it claims to, and there are no harmful pesticides or chemicals.
Start with Small Doses
Even if you’re an experienced CBD user in other areas — whether through edibles or capsules — it’s best to start with minimal doses. As you grow more comfortable and your body adjusts, you can experiment with a higher dosage in your recipes. If you’re left with any questions, always consult a medical professional before continuing to cook with CBD oil.
Know Your Recipes
While you can certainly experiment with your food and beverages, it’s helpful to know which types of recipes will be the most effective. Typically, recipes with higher fat content, like butter or oils, will mix well with CBD oil. Alternatively, CBD-infused olive oils on the market can feel less aggressive than using CBD directly into the mixture.
Avoid Over-Heating
It’s important to refrain from overheating your CBD oil — never lacing it over direct heat. The highest temperature recommended is 120 degrees Fahrenheit; anything hotter and you could risk losing its potential effectiveness.
If you’re experienced in the kitchen, you can experiment with poaching food and using the oil over a shallow temperature. On the other hand, if you want to avoid potentially losing any potency, opt for recipes that do not require heat. This could be anything from salad dressing to guacamole or even smoothies.
Cooking with CBD oil opens up a new set of doors into the culinary industry. As more research is given, it’s essential to be mindful of ingredients and companies that promote CBD oil — to ensure you’re only putting healthy, non-toxic properties into your body.
