The hemp flower is part of a plant known as Cannabis Sativa. This plant grows in many places and is easy to cultivate. When people produce hemp products (such as hemp oil), they may take the seeds from this flower and extract CBD, or cannabidiol, from it. It’s important to note that the entire plant can be used to produce hemp goods. It’s perfectly reasonable to use any part of the plant and create a hemp product. However, intensity can differ. The flower impacts the human body more intensely than other parts of the plant.
It’s also important to understand the difference between hemp and cannabis. If you’re going to cook with hemp flower, it’s best to get a grasp on the fundamental differences between cannabis and hemp.
What’s the Difference Between Cannabis and Hemp?
Often, these two plants get mixed up. It makes sense—they are essentially cousins and look very similar. Some major differences separate them, however. Learning about these distinctions will make a difference in your cooking.
Despite the common belief that the two plants are the same, they are entirely separate. On one hand, you have the cannabis plant. This plant grows quite tall and thrives in most weather conditions. That being said, these plants need a skilled hand to grow correctly. They require a surprising amount of cultivation, and only skilled growers can successfully turn cannabis plants into something people can buy.
On the other side of the coin is the hemp plant. Although similar to cannabis in height and durability, the disparity is evident when it comes to how much care is needed. The hemp plant can grow on its own with little to no supervision. You may choose to grow the plant indoors, as well.
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When part of the hemp plant (e.g. the flower) is used in cooking, it yields a large dose of CBD. CBD is the main reason hemp products are so popular. It’s what most people are after. The cannabis plant contains less CBD and more THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol. This discrepancy is crucial, as CBD and THC impact the body in vastly different ways. Nonetheless, if you’re specifically focusing on the hemp flower, you’ll find that this particular part of the hemp plant retains some residual THC. If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, the hemp flower is what you want to use.
How Do I Incorporate the Hemp Flower Into Food?
One of the most popular and easy ways to use hemp flower in food is by creating hemp butter or oil. In these forms, you can create just about anything you like just by adding in cooking oil or butter. Are you a honey lover? If you can’t get enough of that sweet-tasting nectar, you can also create CBD-infused honey. Additionally, though it may deviate from actual cooking methods, you always have the option of adding CBD capsules to your food. If you don’t like the taste of hemp oil or butter but still want the results, slipping capsules into finished food products is always an option.
How Much Hemp Should I Use?
There is no magic number for the correct dosage of hemp to use when cooking. It’s difficult to pinpoint a specific number or range because a ton of factors is at play. Height and weight make a difference in how much your body can take. Somebody chemistries react differently than others. Finally, you should take into account the actual amount of hemp used and what strain it is.
Always talk to an herbalist before using any sort of hemp product.
Cooking With Hemp Flower – Cannabutter
Hemp-infused butter is one of the easiest and most popular food items to create. Below you’ll find a step-by-step guide that shows exactly how to create this wonderful concoction.
First, you’re going to want to use a process called decarboxylation. The goal is to break down CBD from its acidic form to an active form. The differences between these forms are significant; the acidic form isn’t what people are after when they ingest CBD. They want the active form. To convert the acidic form to an active form, place your hemp flower on a baking sheet and grind it up. Then, place the baking sheet into the oven at 250°F for approximately 45 minutes. Once the time is up, take it out. The hemp flower should have a brownish color and feel dry.
Next, simmer the butter and ground-up hemp flower. Place both in a pan and simmer for 50 minutes. It’s vital that the butter simmers, but doesn’t boil. If it does, you will not be able to get the most out of the CBD. After 50 minutes have passed, grab a bowl and wrap cheesecloth around it. Pour the melted butter onto the cheesecloth and let it drain.
Once done draining, your butter can be refrigerated and used whenever you want!
Give Hemp Flowers a Chance
Hemp flowers can do amazing things and have many positive attributes. It’s worth your time to talk to an herbalist and see if hemp is something you should pursue. If it is, cooking with hemp is a fun and easy process that gives you great-tasting food and the CBD you’re looking for. Check out our blog to read more about state laws surrounding hemp products. Share your cooking with hemp flower recipe below!
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