In the last few years, CBD has demonstrated to be more than just a fad, and that’s even more evident in the kitchen. As the hemp extract starts appearing in everyday items, more people are experimenting with cooking with CBD Oil— a great way to incorporate the cannabinoid in a fun and more engaging way into your diet.
However, CBD oil may act differently in the kitchen than other cooking oils like vegetable oil or coconut oil. This little guide will explain such rules, so your experience using the hemp extract is the best it can be.
What is CBD Oil?
CBD Oil is an extract that comes from the hemp plant. Hemp, compared to its cousin marijuana, has very little concentrations of THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) but a large amount of CBD (cannabidiol). When extracted from a flower, CBD comes in the form of oil, ready to be consumed in all sorts of ways.
Currently, CBD is federally legal in America as long as it comes in a presentation containing no more than 0.3% of THC. Given that they come from a reputable source, these products are safe to consume, and even though you can search for “how to make CBD oil” on Google, we recommend sticking with the professionals.
Health Benefits of CBD Oil
Studies on the benefits of CBD in the human body have been numerous, and their conclusions similar. As it naturally interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, cannabidiol can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and stress, and it’s an effective anti-inflammatory agent.
Many people are turning to it and looking to use it in their cooking for its therapeutic perks, and anecdotal evidence suggests it can help with chronic pain such as migraines.
Can You Cook with CBD Oil?
Cooking takes many forms depending on the recipe, and these allow all kinds of ingredients to be incorporated into whatever you’re preparing. CBD Oil is one such ingredient, and, with a little bit of knowledge, you can cook many types of dishes.
Remember that the idea of cooking with cannabis extract is to infuse the food with its properties so you can get its benefits. More often than not, it won’t change the flavor or consistency of recipes in any significant way.
But… What to Make With CBD Oil?
Many things can be cooked with CBD: from baked goods, soups, and sauces to beverages like coffee or smoothies. Virtually everything can be infused with CBD oil; it’s just a matter of how to do it.
Does Heat destroy CBD?
One precaution with CBD oil is that it doesn’t pair very well with heat. You may have thought that using it as cooking oil would be an option, but it is the total opposite in reality. CBD oil, like many vegetable oils, gets oxidized very quickly when heated up. In the case of the extract, heat gives it a very bitter taste.
But apart from ruining your recipe, heating the oil may also diminish or simply eradicate the benefits that come from CBD. It’s not even recommended sauteing with it. Any direct exposure to more than 350º Fahrenheit might be just enough to ruin it.
No-Heat CBD Recipes
CBD oil works better as a finishing oil or blended with other ingredients. However, that’s no to say that you cannot use it in recipes that require heat, as long as you keep it away from direct contact. Baked goods are an excellent example of this since, in the oven, heat gets dispersed through all the food.
However, if you want to avoid heat in any way, no-heat recipes can be a good option for you.
These can go from salads or guacamole to cold deserts. This is, obviously, a very toes-dipped-in-water approach but a sure one that will avoid any trouble if you’re nervous. Just start with a tiny amount and go slow. Then, if you’re not getting the benefits you’re looking for, like anxiety relief, just slowly increase the dosage until you get the desired effect.
Tips for Cooking with CBD Oil
Use high-quality CBD oil. It’s always recommended to check for a certificate of authenticity.
Whenever possible, use CBD Oil that already comes with food-grade ingredients. As a result, they blend better with your preparations.
CBD works best in recipes with some sort of fat in them. Don’t be afraid to mix with other oils.
A few drops are never bad for whatever you’re cooking at any moment.
Do not heat your CBD oil directly.
How to Store CBD Oil
Storage, as with other ingredients, is important for CBD oil. Most likely, whatever brand you bought must have come in a blue or amber bottle. This is what you want since these colors can filter light which can degrade the oil, resulting in the loss of cannabinoids. Your pantry should be a good place to store it, given that it is dark, cool, and dry.
Ambient heat or even exposure to air can affect your CBD oil, so always remember to close it tight and keep it away from the oven or the stove.
Where do you learn more about CBD?
Using CBD for the first time in any kind of routine can be daunting—especially when you haven’t got experience with cannabis oil recipes. The best way to get over those feelings is by educating yourself. You can start by reading this article, but don’t be afraid to go and ask at your local shop. And if you ever get the opportunity to attend a show, like USA CBD Expo, go and learn directly from professionals.
Source: TotalFood
