There are several ways to consume the magic cannabinoid – CBD, and each can have different effects depending on your dosage. If you are trying out CBD Oil on its own for the first time, you might not enjoy the earthy, bitter taste it has.
However, there is no need to despair. There is always a solution to your CBD-related problems, and we are pleased to assist you.
Nothing feels like therapy than cooking your favorite foods. Now imagine infusing CBD Oil into these foods. CBD and Cooking, your two favorite things, when combined become even better.
A recent Phase I clinical trial conducted by GW research LTD suggests that infusing CBD with fat-rich substances can increase its bioavailability in the body.
But how does this affect you?
Well, increased bioavailability means that the rate of CBD absorption in your body increases as well when taken with food. The more readily CBD gets absorbed into your target tissues, the greater chance it has of binding with receptors in your system. As a result, the overall effect of CBD improves.
As CBD products grow in popularity, enthusiasts are coming up with new ways for consumption. You can choose from CBD topicals, CBD vape juices, tinctures, and much more. However, probably the most exciting and fun way is to try cooking with CBD Oil.
CBD Oil is a multipurpose product, capable of being infused into a variety of cuisines. If you are passionate about food and want to get creative in the kitchen, then you will love CBD oil for cooking.
Here we have compiled a comprehensive guide for you to learn a safe and effective way of cooking with CBD and making delicious treats for your loved ones. In the end, we also have a couple of CBD-infused recipes for you to try and enjoy.
Without further ado, let us get into it!
How is CBD Oil Made?
There is a reason why people are calling it the magic cannabinoid. CBD is the active ingredient in the cannabis plant, known for its interaction with our endocannabinoid system. It is not a psychoactive compound, so you will not get high.
Although we need more scientific research to get a better idea of the effects CBD has on our bodies, there is enough anecdotal evidence to support the therapeutic benefits it can have. CBD is known to relieve stress, reduce nausea, and alleviate pain. Plus, there are no public-health risks associated with its use, so you are pretty safe.
Extracting pure CBD oil can be tricky. A suitable method is a CO2 extraction, which can separate the cannabinoid from the stems, roots, and shoots of the hemp plant. Dilute the resulting plant matter with a carrier oil like MCT, and you are good to go! We recommend choosing brands that use high-quality extraction methods so that you get a pure, final product.
Can I Use CBD Oil for Cooking?
Of course, you can, and there are different ways to do it.
As mentioned before, CBD works best when it binds with fats and oils, making it suitable for cooking. As compared to other oils that people usually use, CBD oil behaves quite differently.
We do not recommend directly heating CBD Oil, since this can significantly reduce its potency. Also, you can not use CBD Oil for frying, but we do suggest drizzling it over a serving of your favorite fried meal. You might like the nutty taste it gives to your fried chicken and wings.
The Decarboxylation Trick – Is CBD Oil Effective in Food?
No need to panic! We will not be teaching you chemistry here. However, there is some science involved when explaining the effectiveness of CBD in food.
The most important thing to know when cooking with CBD oil is the amount of heat you give it. Even though heating your CBD oil at high temperatures can reduce its potency, giving it mild heat does more good than harm. It activates the cannabinoid and increases its effectiveness.
How does this work? Well, cannabinoids like CBD exist as the inactive compound CBD-A in the hemp plant. You will not get the therapeutic effects of CBD if you are consuming it in this form. So, it has to go through a process called decarboxylation that is initiated by mildly heating the compound. This might not be a problem for people who are smoking or vaping CBD, but if you are cooking with CBD, decarboxylation is essential.
While most top brands will provide you with CBD oil that has already gone through decarboxylation, some brands do not do this. We recommend doing extensive research before choosing a brand that sells top-quality, decarboxylated products.
Get Creative in the Kitchen – How to Cook with CBD Oil?
While there are many ways you can combine CBD with your favorite snacks and drinks, it usually comes down to what kind of food you are making. If you are a home-cook looking to try CBD oil, you can integrate a variety of ingredients in your favorite recipes.
CBD can enhance the flavor of your food and make you feel more relaxed for you to enjoy the dining experience. Knowing the ins and outs of cooking with CBD oil can help you take your experience to a whole new level. Here are a few tips that you can use:
Choose the highest-quality CBD products.
When choosing the right CBD product for cooking, you need to be sure that you are buying from a credible brand. Anyone who cooks knows for sure that the quality of oil you are using matters.
This works with CBD oil as well. Using substandard CBD oil might significantly reduce the benefits that you can get from it. There are so many brands coming out with new products every day. That is why you need to do your research and choose only the best brands.
You will not find high-quality CBD oil at low prices, so that might be a good indicator for you.
Storage is key
Cannabinoids are sensitive to temperature and light, so you have to make sure you store your CBD oil in a cool, dry place. Proper storage can increase the shelf-life of your product. When stored correctly, CBD oil can last for a year or more.
A suitable place to start is a container that is not in contact with any moisture, heat, or light. Try placing it inside a cupboard or a dry pantry where you store other essential materials. Putting it in the refrigerator works pretty well too, but the oil can become dense, and you might have to heat it a little to use it again.
Moreover, the carrier oil used in your product can influence the way it needs to be stored. Use a storage method that works just as well with the carrier oil.
CBD Loves Fats
There is no doubt that cannabinoids like THC and CBD bind readily with fats, increasing their bioavailability in the body. Experimenting with recipes that use some form of fat is highly recommended. You can increase the benefits you get from consuming CBD oil this way. Try using coconut oil, butter, or any other relevant item.
Lower Your Dosage At First
You do not have to overload your meals with CBD oil when you are using it for cooking. Start small and gradually increase your dose until you feel like you have reached the most suitable one for yourself. Dosage can vary from individual to individual, and there is no set-in-stone method to figure out what you need. Experiment and use your creativity until everything feels right.
Know the Right Temperature
Having the right knowledge about the temperature you are using for cooking with CBD oil should be a no brainer. As mentioned before, high temperatures can cause your CBD oil to vaporize, and it will not work as efficiently as it should. Milder temperatures and thorough stirring is key to getting a top-quality final product.
CBD Works Better With Savory Foods
Companies try to hide the flavor of CBD in edibles by excessively sweetening their products. If you enjoy the taste of pure CBD oil, you should try mixing them with savory foods. Believe me! It works like a charm. I like to drizzle CBD oil on my favorite salads, fish, or grilled chicken as the mild, earthy flavor of CBD oil compliments such dishes.
Blend It Into Your Favorite Drinks
Blending CBD oil into your favorite drinks is probably the most easiest and effective way to consume it. CBD tinctures are alcohol-based extracts which are perfect for use in this regard. You can add a few drops into your morning tea or coffee, a perfect start to your day.. You can also mix it with shakes and smoothies, adding your favorite fruits and vegetables to make a healthy, CBD-rich drink. Furthermore, making CBD-infused cocktails is a fun and creative way to incorporate CBD into your drinks. We recommend using tinctures as they will not change the consistency of your cocktail.
Baking with CBD – Healthy, and Yummy Treats For Everyone!
Butter and animal fats are essential ingredients when it comes to baking. CBD binds efficiently with fats, making it the perfect choice for all your baked goods.
If you want to try baking with CBD, using CBD isolate is the way to go. CBD isolate is a versatile product, great for mixing with oil and butter. Cookies are the easiest way to use CBD Isolate for baking. Slightly melt the butter you plan on using in a microwave and stir in CBD-isolate as preferred.
As the mixture becomes even, refrigerate it again so that the butter solidifies. Now you can use the CBD-infused butter for baking healthy and delicious treats that everyone enjoys. Pure, decarboxylated CBD oil works just fine too. My dogs love the CBD-infused treats I make with it.
Things to Avoid When Cooking with CBD Oil
While cooking with CBD oil is a safe and effective way of incorporating CBD into your daily routine, there are some things you need to steer clear of, as they influence your experience in a negative way.
Try to avoid using trans fats or saturated fats when cooking with CBD oil. These can be harmful to your body and increase cholesterol levels. Moreover, try not to add too much CBD oil into your food as it can overpower its taste.
We also recommend not using CBD tinctures for cooking, as they are more suitable for sublingual consumption. Use pure, high-quality CBD oil instead and opt for unflavored varieties as some companies use unhealthy artificial flavorings to alter the taste of their CBD oil. Choose only the most credible and premium-quality brands when cooking with CBD oil.
CBD Oil Recipes for You to Try
Chickpea Cookie Dough With CBD Oil
Made with the highest-quality full-hemp CBD oil, this vegan-friendly cookie dough is scrumptious and healthy. Check out the full recipe here.
Superfood CBD/ THC Chocolate Truffles
A dream-come true for your sweet tooth, these yummy balls of chocolate-filled CBD goodness will satisfy all your cravings for dessert. Check out the full recipe here.
Choosing the Best CBD Oil for Cooking
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum varieties are perfect for cooking with CBD oil as they contain several plant compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids, and plant waxes. These compounds work together to provide the entourage effect and increase the benefits of CBD oil. We have a variety of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products to choose from. You can visit our shop to explore the best CBD brands in the market right now!
FAQs About Cooking with CBD Oil
Question: How is CBD oil made?
Answer: CBD oil is extracted from the roots, shoots, and stems of the hemp plant. It is then diluted with a carrier oil such as MCT or olive oil to get the final product.
Question: Can I cook with CBD oil?
Answer: Yes, cooking with CBD oil is safe and easy. You need to experiment with food high in fat-content as CBD binds really well with fats and oils.
Question: How do you cook with CBD oil?
Answer: You can combine CBD oil with a variety of food and drinks. You can drizzle it over your favorite salads, fish, fried chicken. You can even add it to your morning tea or coffee. Blending it with shakes, smoothies, or cocktails is also preferred.
Question: Is CBD oil effective in food?
Answer: There is some science involved when explaining the effectiveness of CBD in food. CBD exists as CBDa in the hemp plant naturally. It must go through a process called decarboxylation that is initiated by mildly heating the compound to make it more effective.
Question: How do you bake with CBD oil?
Answer: Butter is a primary ingredient used for baking. CBD binds really well with butter and oils at low heat, increasing its bioavailability. You can infuse CBD-isolate into the butter you plan on using to make healthy and yummy baked goods.
Question: What should I avoid when cooking with CBD oil?
Answer: Avoid using CBD tinctures for cooking as CBD oil works better. Try not to use flavored varieties as they contain artificial flavorings that are harmful. Moreover, steer clear of harmful saturated and trans fats.
