CBD is readily available, and the availability has driven people into endless experimentation with CBD. Some of these experiments are just to develop creative ways of taking CBD apart from the conventional methods. One of the most popular ways is using CBD oil to prepare different meals. You can use CBD oil for baking and cooking needs. It is suitable for various meals, including soups and even fries. However, you need to follow specific guidelines when cooking with CBD oil.
Here are some guidelines for your cooking with CBD oil.
1. Watch the temperatures
Whenever you are cooking or baking with CBD oil, you need to avoid the heat of over 160oC (320oF). Heat is essential for maintaining CBD potency because, at certain temperatures, the CBD begins to burn and loses potency. The result will be foul flavored food. To enjoy the full effects of CBD, you can use it on meals that require garnishing. You can also add it to soups then warm instead of boiling. High temperatures can also result in the loss of terpenes which is a crucial ingredient in CBD oil. As the terpenes get broken down by the excessive heat, the CBD oil losses its health benefits.
2. Use healthy fats
CBD is soluble; hence not suitable to use with other oils when cooking. You should consider using it with organic fats and oil to ensure it is absorbed into the body. These organic fats include coconut oil, ghee, butter, and grapeseed oil. You can also use it with alcoholic spirits such as rum, vodka, or whiskey to replace the fats. The fats act as carriers for CBD since cannabinoids are attracted to lipids; hence, they dissolve in the fats, maximizing their potency.
3. Use flavors and not sugars
You need to find the best flavors that can easily combine with CBD oil. Using it with sugars will not easily dissolve the sugar crystal, affecting the overall taste. If you prepare brownies and snacks, the flavors will work best, not sugars. You also need to keenly select the flavor you need to add to the CBD oil. It is easier to cover the bitter taste of CBD with sugars, but flavors will work perfectly for various types of meals. You also need to know that CBD oil should be infused before you begin cooking.
4. Watch out on the dosage level
Remember CBD is not like any other oil that you can use in large quantities and fail to feel the effects. CBD has adverse side effects in case of overdose; hence you need to be keen on the amount of CBD you use. You should begin with lower amounts, and you can consider increasing the amounts next time you prepare the meal.
You also need to be patient to feel the full effects of CBD. It will not kick in immediately; you need about 1 to 2 hours to feel its effects. You need to ensure the CBD oil evenly spreads to all the meal sections. Moreover, you need to stir or mix continuously until you are sure it is thoroughly mixed and fully blended into the food.
5. Inform your friends if you have used CBD for cooking
If you use CBD oil to prepare a meal and invite friends over, you must inform them before serving the meal. If they are under specific medication or cannot tolerate the effects of CBD, they should avoid the meal. However, if used in small amounts, you should not worry about them experiencing severe effects. You also need to prepare different meals on such occasions to ensure those who can’t tolerate CBD have something to eat.
6. Proper storage
CBD oil is not different from other oils; hence it requires proper storage conditions. CBD is sensitive to excess heat and light; therefore, you need to store it in cool and dry places such as in the kitchen drawers. You also need to keep it away from heat, and if you plan to use it longer, a refrigerator will be a perfect place to extend its shelf life.
7. Take note of the side effects
CBD has various effects on the body; it may help you deal with health issues such as anxiety, need for relaxation, indigestion, loss of appetite, coping with pain, and many more. You may enjoy all these health benefits whenever you use CBD oil for cooking. You also need to understand you can feel the side effects of CBD. This occurs when you use excess CBD oil. The side effects include dry mouth, nausea, drowsiness, and others. If you realize you may have put a lot of it in the food, you should only take a small portion of it.
Conclusion
Before you begin your cooking process, ensure you purchase quality CBD oils that blend perfectly with the food. You should buy them from online retailers or directly from the manufacturer to get quality oils. Remember, while cooking with CBD oil, observe the various guidelines to avoid foul tastes or CBD overdose.
