Increasingly appreciated for its numerous benefits and lack of psychoactive effects, cannabidiol (CBD) is now becoming part of our daily lives. It’s also making its mark in the culinary world, where it’s revolutionizing cooking methods. So how can you effectively incorporate CBD into your recipes? What innovative CBD-based recipes are there? Discover all our tips for mastering the art of CBD in cooking in this article.
Understanding the basics of CBD before you start cooking
Before you embark on creating CBD-based recipes, it’s essential to understand what this molecule is and how it works. Cannabidiol is naturally present in cannabis, but unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), it has no psychotropic effects and therefore doesn’t produce a “high.” Its beneficial effects on health and well-being have been widely proven by various scientific studies. CBD Legality in France
In France, CBD is legal as long as its THC content is less than 0.2%. Therefore, this molecule is primarily found in the form of oil, crystals, capsules, or dried flowers, all of which are authorized for sale. It is thus perfectly possible to cook with CBD while respecting French law.
Which Form of CBD to Use in Cooking?
To cook with CBD, you have several options: CBD oil, CBD crystals, or even the flowers themselves. Each form has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the recipes you wish to prepare.
CBD Oil
CBD oil is undoubtedly the easiest to use in cooking. It can be easily incorporated into your hot or cold dishes. Whether it’s to season a salad, deglaze a pan of vegetables, or flavor a stew, CBD oil lends itself to many possible uses.
CBD Crystals CBD crystals are another interesting and versatile option. They can be dissolved in any fatty food (oil, butter, etc.) to enrich your recipes while adding a touch of cannabidiol. The crystals also allow you to dose CBD very precisely.
CBD Flowers
Finally, you can opt for a more natural approach by using CBD flowers directly. These must be decarboxylated, meaning they must be heated beforehand, to activate the effects of cannabidiol. Once this step is completed, you can incorporate the ground flowers into your dishes to fully enjoy their benefits.
Innovative CBD Recipes
With the growing enthusiasm for CBD, new culinary uses are emerging, much to our delight. Here are a few original recipe ideas showcasing this unique molecule:
CBD Pesto Scrambled Eggs
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan. Beat 4 eggs in a bowl with salt and pepper.Add the beaten eggs to the pan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until you have creamy scrambled eggs.
Serve on toasted bread with a teaspoon of CBD pesto made by blending CBD oil, fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Carrot and Ginger Soup with a Touch of CBD
- In a large saucepan, sauté 4 sliced shallots and 2 minced garlic cloves in a mixture of olive oil and CBD oil.
Add 1 kg of sliced carrots and 4 cm of grated fresh ginger. Stir well so the vegetables absorb the flavors.
- Cover the vegetables with boiling water and cook for about 30 minutes, until the carrots are tender.
- Blend the soup using a blender or immersion blender, then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot in bowls, topped with a dollop of crème fraîche and a few cilantro leaves for garnish.
- CBD-Infused Chocolate Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Melt 200g of dark chocolate with 200g of butter and 10ml of CBD oil in a double boiler.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 3 eggs, 150g of brown sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar, and 100g of flour.
- Fold the melted chocolate into the mixture and pour it into a square baking pan lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25 minutes, then let cool before cutting into squares.
- Tips for Successful CBD Recipes
- Cooking with CBD requires some precautions and tips to achieve delicious and surprising results. Here are our tips for getting the most out of this molecule:
Dose precisely:
The effects of CBD vary from person to person, so it’s important to know your own limits and dose accordingly. Avoid excessively high temperatures: CBD should be cooked carefully because excessively high temperatures can denature the molecule and reduce its effectiveness.
- Combine CBD with fats: CBD is lipophilic, meaning it dissolves easily in fats. Incorporating it into fats such as oil, butter, or cream will allow for better absorption by the body.
- Focus on flavors: The slightly earthy taste of CBD can be balanced by combining it with different herbs, spices, or other ingredients that will enhance the flavor of your dishes.
