CBD products are everywhere these days, and that includes the culinary industry. CBD oil is the hot trend in cooking right now, and in our guide, we’ll break down the benefits of CBD, what you should know about cooking with CBD oil, and give you some recipe ideas!
What is CBD Oil?
Before we get into how to cook, learn what CBD oil is and why you should use it. CBD oil is the oil extracted from the cannabis flower without the THC that gives users the psychoactive effects of cannabis.
Some producers use CBD oil to create edibles, while others sell it as oil and tinctures. CBD oil offers users benefits when taken directly or mixed with other foods and drinks.
Benefits of Consuming CBD Oil
CBD oil can affect people both physically and mentally. On the physical side, CBD products have shown to relieve pain in users as it affects the endocannabinoid receptors in our body, relieving soreness and inflammation, especially if taken daily.
Many users also experience mental benefits when taking CBD, namely relieving and mitigating symptoms. Studies have shown that daily consumption of CBD has helped many people with mental illnesses like insomnia, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and depression.
Also, studies show that CBD is not addictive and offers minimal side effects compared to regular pharmaceutical drugs prescribed to treat pain relief and mental anguish.
CBD Oil Cooking Tips
Clearly, there are benefits to incorporating CBD oil into your cooking, but what should you know about cooking with CBD oil?
Don’t Overheat
The composition and consistency of the CBD oil are crucial to its effects on users, so refrain from exposing it directly to heat. If you’re adding it to a hot dish, consider dripping the oil on after the food’s cooled down.
Pro Tip: If you’re baking with CBD oil, keep the baking temperature below 350 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid burning the oil.
Use Sparingly
The consistency of the final food product is essential to gaining the effects of CBD oil, so don’t add more than the recipe demands. If you want a stronger dose of CBD, use a higher potency oil instead of drowning the food in oil.
Mix With Another Oil
CBD oil is fat-soluble, which means your body better absorbs it when mixed with fatty acids. For best results, mix CBD oil with a fat-rich oil like avocado or coconut oil.
What You Can Make with CBD Oil
CBD oil is versatile and easy to use. Some favorite foods CBD users make with CBD oil include:
- Salad dressing
- Cold pasta (pesto recipes, pasta salad, etc.)
- Guacamole
- Fruit smoothies
- Cookies & baked desserts
- Banana bread and baked loaves
There are countless other dishes and recipes you can incorporate it into, just give it a try!