It’s hard to keep up with the number of CBD stores populating France today, as they’ve been mushrooming for over a year and a half. But the stalls are not the only ones offering products based on cannabidiol, this cannabis active ingredient that is completely legal and free of THC. Pizzerias, tea rooms and restaurants are also adopting this “green” trend. Yes, CBD can also be enjoyed in drinks or in dishes. Test at home? Here are some essential steps to follow to properly cook your CBD.
What is CBD?
Hemp contains two particularly famous molecules, CBD and THC. It is the latter with psychotropic effects that gives the feeling of high to those who consume it. CBD, on the other hand, is completely legal and non-addictive. Cannabidiol is highly valued for its relaxing virtues, its benefits for sleep and anxiety† It is usually consumed in herbal teas, oil or flowers, as well as in cooking.
It was in the United States that this trend developed, which is just beginning to manifest itself in France.
How to cook CBD?
Prepare your flowers
CBD is not used as is in cooking, as one would use an aroma such as oregano or thyme. In reality, To reap all its benefits, a preparatory step is essential: decarboxylation.
This phase consists of converting the cannabinoids from their acidic form to their active form. Without this step, it is impossible to take full advantage of the relaxing properties of CBD, as raw and dried hemp flower does not contain much CBD. This is achieved by heating the flower at a relatively low temperature for a longer period of time. This process converts CBDa into CBD.
How do you decarboxylate CBD flowers with an oven?
- Preheat your oven to 110°C.
- Grind the hemp flour finely and spread it thinly on a plate.
- Bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool. The hemp flower should have a brownish appearance and feel dry.
How to use CBD in the kitchen?
Now that your CBD flowers are decarboxylated, all you need to do is sprinkle on a pizza or a quiche, to flavor a vinaigrette or a burger sauce or use it in a sweet preparation such as a biscuit, ice cream or chocolate mousse.
Preparing your CBD oil
If you prefer to consume CBD in the form of an edible oil, it’s very easy. All you have to do is use your previously decarboxylated flowers and soak them in a vegetable oil. The CBD oil obtained in this way goes perfectly with a pesto or a salad.
Ingredients:
- 10 g flowers (organic if possible)
- 1 cup vegetable oil (olive, coconut, hemp)
- 1 teaspoon sunflower lecithin
Steps:
- Put your powdered flowers, oil and sunflower lecithin (product that stabilizes the final result) in a pot that can withstand boiling. Close the jar tightly.
- Place it in a pan of cold water and cook in a bain-marie for 2h30.
- Let cool and pass the mixture through a sieve to remove impurities.
- Store your oil in a cool, dry area away from light.
And now it’s up to you to let your imagination and culinary creativity take you!