Terpenes are aromatic compounds present in all plants and fruits in the plant kingdom. They’re responsible for their aromas and flavors, and they also showcase numerous properties that provide functional benefits.
Let’s now explore the connection between cannabis and strawberries, two delicious wonders of nature that seem very different at first sight but are actually united by… aromatic molecules!
Why is Cannabis Special in Terms of Aroma?
The cannabis plant has a complex aroma and flavor that leaves a lasting impression on those who taste it. Beyond personal preferences, there’s an explanation for this phenomenon: while all plants contain terpenes, cannabis is the only one that gathers such a diverse amount of these compounds.
In addition to this incredible diversity of terpenes in its aromatic profile, different cannabis strains contain different proportions of them, which is why cannabis flavors and aromas are so rich and varied.
This vast pool of terpenes not only produces complex and delicious flavors, but it also combines the beneficial properties of different terpenes in a way that is unique in nature.
Therefore, cannabis shares terpenes with plants and fruits like mango, strawberries, incense, basil, and many more.
What Do Strawberries and Cannabis Have in Common? Connecting Aromas
Cannabis and strawberries share some fascinating terpenes that provide their flavor, aroma, and functional effects:
- Linalool: This is one of the main terpenes found in cannabis and is also present in the aromatic composition of strawberries. It produces a gentle floral aroma, and is also found in large amounts in lavender. Linalool is responsible for a slightly sweet flavor, with subtle hints of citrus fruits and a spicy touch reminiscent of cinnamon or cilantro. Its profile is delicate and fresh, providing subtly herbal and balsamic aromas to your taste buds.
This terpene delivers a smooth and fresh sensory experience that doesn’t overwhelm the senses (since it’s not considered an intense flavor). Some cannabis strains with a high linalool concentration include Cheese, Mojito, or Gelato.
- Ocimene: Besides being found in strawberries and cannabis, this aromatic molecule is also present in other plants like hops. This terpene emits a fruity aroma and flavor with herbal, citrusy, and woody notes reminiscent of tropical fruits.
Ocimene provides floral and woody flavors, and is present in considerable amounts in strains like Wedding Cake, Key Lime Pie, or Tangie.
- Nerolidol: This compound delivers a flavor and aroma that could be described as smooth and earthy, with woody nuances and floral notes. It also emits slight citrusy and fruity notes reminiscent of green apple. A sensory experience that’s subtly herbal and leaves a sweet and resinous aftertaste.
The aromatic intensity of nerolidol can be milder than that of other terpenes; and since it’s not one of the main terpenes of cannabis, it doesn’t appear in the same amounts as others. However, it contributes to the complex and delicious profile of many strains, like Missing In Barcelona, Black Dream, or Pink Plant.
- Terpineol: This molecule, found in both cannabis and strawberries, produces a sweet and floral flavor with notes reminiscent of orange blossom, lilac, and apple blossom. With very subtle citrusy nuances and a slight herbal touch, the taste experience produced by terpineol is often described as smooth, rounded, and delicate.
This terpene is found in the aromatic composition of strawberries and cannabis strains like Critical Jack or Gipsy Haze.
- Farnesene: This terpene produces a sweet and fruity aroma and flavor, with floral notes and slightly herbal touches. Its taste is often described as fresh and fruity, very much in line with the aromatic profiles of the other terpenes described here that are also found in strawberries.
- All of this doesn’t mean that the strains above smell or taste like strawberries – they simply have those terpenes in common with them. Besides, the flavor of strawberries is a combination of different terpenes. The aromatic profile of some cannabis strains may also include notes of strawberry due to their complex combination of terpenes – examples of this are Furious Candy and Veneno.
Benefits of Terpenes Shared by Strawberries and Cannabis
As we’ve explained above, terpenes are not only responsible for the smell and flavor of many plants and fruits, but they’re also allies for our health thanks to their functional and therapeutic properties that can contribute to our well-being.
Thus, cannabis terpene profiles are increasingly being used in the food and beverage industry, allowing the creation of products that promote functional effects like relaxation, focus, or mood improvement, among others.
In this case, the terpenes that strawberries and cannabis share have very interesting properties:
- Linalool: This terpene is believed to have anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties; as well as beneficial effects on the nervous system, acting as a neurological agent and providing feelings of relaxation that can sometimes aid in falling asleep.
- Ocimene: Has been shown to have anticancer, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Nerolidol: This terpene is recognized for its antimalarial properties (i.e., the ability of a substance to prevent, treat, or combat malaria); its activity against Trypanosoma cruzi (the causative agent of Chagas disease); and antifungal and sedative effects.
- Terpineol: This terpene exhibits remarkable antimicrobial, antibacterial, antinociceptive (i.e., pain-relieving), and antifungal activity.
- Farnesene: Attributed with neuroprotective properties.
Can Strawberries and Cannabis Terpene Profiles Be Combined?
Since strawberries and cannabis share certain terpenes, one might think that these two elements could make a perfect match in gastronomy. In truth, cannabis terpene profiles are trending in the food industry because they enhance and refine the flavors of many foods, drinks, and dishes.
Therefore, it’s definitely worth delving deeper. If we think of strawberries and cannabis, we might consider adding a third element, like chocolate, to create something truly exquisite.
There are many reasons to add terpenes to chocolate, but crafting a delicious dessert with strawberries, where sweet and fruity flavors meet the contrast of other terpenes like myrcene or limonene… It’s simply mouthwatering!
But this isn’t the end; it’s just the beginning. The recipes and food products that can be created with cannabis profiles are infinite, precisely because there are a great number of different strain profiles (our catalog features more than 50) offering innovative flavors that surprise even the most seasoned taste buds.
For inspiration, we recommend checking out our recipe section, where you’ll find some creations from top chefs and mixologists using our terpenes.
We hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
