Cooking with terpenes can revolutionize the way you prepare food. Their olfactory and gustatory properties make them an exciting addition.

Whether you're looking to elevate the flavor of a dish or introduce health benefits to your meals, cooking with terpenes offers a unique opportunity to explore new tastes and aromas.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are natural compounds found in various plants, including cannabis, that give them their distinctive smells and flavors.

Cannabis terpenes are responsible for the unique aromatic profiles of different strains, and they are also known to offer a range of potential medicinal benefits, from reducing anxiety to relieving pain.

While terpenes are commonly associated with cannabis, they can also be found in herbs like thyme, basil, and lavender, as well as in citrus fruits. This versatility allows them to be used in many applications, including cooking, where they enhance the flavors and aromas of various dishes.

Why Cooking with Terpenes?

Cooking with terpenes goes beyond just adding aroma and flavor to your dishes. These compounds not only enhance the taste of your meals but also provide potential health benefits.

For example, certain terpenes are known for their anti-inflammatory and stress-relieving properties, meaning that adding them to your food could contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

Imagine preparing a dish infused with a citrusy terpene like Limonene, which adds a zesty kick while simultaneously boosting your mood and easing anxiety. Or using Linalool, known for its calming effects, to enhance a dessert, offering a relaxing finish to your meal.

By incorporating terpenes into your cooking, you're not just making flavorful dishes—you’re also potentially supporting your health.

Want to learn more about the health benefits of specific terpenes? Explore our blog on Best Terpenes for Sleep for more information.

How to Choose the Right Terpenes for Cooking

When it comes to cooking with terpenes, selecting the right one can make all the difference in your meal.

Below is a quick guide to five popular terpenes, their flavor profiles, and the strains in which they can be found:

Each terpene brings a unique flavor profile to your dishes, allowing you to experiment and create new combinations.

Explore Bucanna Labs' range of cannabis-derived terpenes to start cooking with these powerful compounds today!

3 Easy Recipes with Terpenes

Now that you have a basic understanding of how terpenes can enhance your cooking, let’s explore a few easy recipes that showcase their versatility:

Myrcene Mango Smoothie

Flavor Profile: Tropical and sweet.
Terpene: Myrcene.
Strain: Found in Granddaddy Purple.

Ingredients

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp honey
• Desired amount of myrcene terpene from Granddaddy Purple. Remember that less is better, it can be as low as 0.05ml or 1 drop.
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Combine mango, banana, coconut milk, honey, and ice cubes in a blender.
2. Add myrcene terpene and blend until smooth.
3. Serve immediately for a refreshing, tropical treat.

Limonene-Infused Citrus Cocktail

Flavor Profile: Bright, zesty, and refreshing.
Terpene: Limonene.
Strain: Found in Pineapple Express.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz gin
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup
• 1 egg white (optional, for foam)
• Desired amount of limonene terpene from Pineapple Express. Remember that less is better, it can be as low as 0.05ml or 1 drop.
• Ice cubes
• Lemon zest (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Add gin, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white into a cocktail shaker.
2. Shake vigorously without ice to create a frothy texture.
3. Add ice cubes and shake again until chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled glass and add a drop of Super Lemon Haze-infused oil for the lemony, uplifting flavor.
5. Garnish with lemon zest and serve immediately. Enjoy the refreshing citrus notes with the added benefits of Limonene!

Linalool-Infused Lavender Cupcakes

Flavor Profile: Sweet, floral, and slightly spicy flavor
Terpene: Linalool
Strain: OG Kush

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 ½ cups flour
• Desired amount of linalool- infused lavender terpene from OG Kush. Remember that less is better, it can be as low as 0.05ml or 1 drop.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, butter, and linalool-infused lavender extract until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated.
4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into lined cupcake tins, filling each about two-thirds full.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cupcakes cool completely before serving.

Linalool's floral and slightly spicy notes make these cupcakes a unique and calming dessert. The terpene’s relaxing properties complement the sweetness of the cupcakes, making it a perfect treat to unwind with.

Tips for Cooking with Terpenes

Cooking with terpenes can be an exciting culinary adventure, but it’s important to keep a few tips in mind:

Tip 1: Start Small

Terpenes are potent, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and adjust according to taste.

Just like with seasoning, most chefs agree that it's better to go light on terpenes when cooking. It's much easier to add more flavor than to fix an overpowered dish. Just as you can’t take back an excess of salt or pepper, using too many terpenes can overwhelm your dish. The key is to enhance the flavors of your ingredients, not mask them.

For example, a lavender shortbread should have a subtle hint of lavender, not smell like soap.Terpenes are highly concentrated, so start with a small amount—around 0.5%—and adjust slowly to taste.

Tip 2: Know Your Terpenes

Research the effects and flavor profiles of different terpenes to find the best fit for your dish. Learn more about the wide range of terpenes on our blog.

Tip 3: Use Low Heat

Terpenes can degrade at high temperatures, so try to cook with them at lower heat to preserve their benefits.

Different terpenes have varying boiling points, with some as low as 225°F, and overheating them can destroy their delicate chemical structure. To preserve the benefits of these aromatic compounds, a slow and steady roast is key.

For example, Caryophyllene starts to evaporate at 266°F, while Myrcene’s boiling point is 334°F, and Limonene holds up to 349°F. It’s essential to manage your cooking process carefully—do your grilling, baking, or frying first, and only add terpene-rich ingredients afterward. This helps avoid burning off valuable terpenes like Pinene at 311°F or Linalool at 390°F.

Tip 4: Choose a Reliable Source

Always buy your terpenes from a trusted provider to ensure quality and safety. Explore our product selection to find the perfect terpene for your cooking needs.

Tip 5: Properly Storing Terpenes

To preserve the quality of terpenes, store them in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. Exposure to UV rays can degrade these delicate compounds.

It's also important to maintain controlled humidity levels, keeping it below sixty percent to avoid mildew, which can compromise their flavor, aroma, and health benefits. You don’t need a specialized storage setup—just use the coolest, darkest spot in your pantry with the right humidity.

Terpenes offer a wonderful opportunity to add flavor and health benefits to your meals. From boosting aromas to enhancing medicinal effects, they are an exciting way to experiment in the kitchen.

Ready to start cooking with terpenes?

Explore our range of cannabis-derived terpenes at Bucanna Labs and elevate your culinary creations today!