Why Different CBD Flowers Have Such Varied Flavour Profiles
When we talk about CBD flowers, we often talk about the range of potential wellness benefits that have been reported over the years. From reduced anxiety to pain relief and muscle relaxation, CBD flowers have become a common supplement for many people, but it’s also worth noting that not all CBD flowers are created equal, especially when it comes to their flavour profiles.
Whether it’s being smoked, brewed, or eaten, CBD flower offers a surprisingly wide spectrum of aromas and flavours, to the point where choosing a CBD flower isn’t just a question of potency, but also of personal preference and intended use.
So, why do different CBD flowers have such varied flavour profiles, and what exactly are the flavour profiles in question?
Why Do Different CBD Flowers Have Different Flavours?
In our CBD flower shop, there is a range of different options available, including ‘Melon Cake’, ‘Oreo’s’, and ‘Lemonade’. The first thing you should know is this: there are no artificial flavourings in our flowers. Their unique tastes and aromas actually come from their natural terpene profiles, not added flavouring. For those unaware, terpenes are organic compounds produced by the hemp plant itself.
In order to give each flower its distinct scent and flavour, different strains are bred to express different combinations, creating a wide variety of sensory experiences – from fruity and sweet, to earthy, citrusy, or even creamy. To give an example, our ‘Lemonade’ flavoured CBD flower contains a naturally high concentration of limonene, a terpene commonly found in citrus fruits. This gives it a zesty, refreshing flavour that mirrors the sharp, tangy notes of real lemons. Hence, ‘Lemonade’!
What is the Science Behind These Flavours?
In terms of how terpenes actually work, they don’t just inform the flavour profile of the plant, they serve several biological functions. Chemically, terpenes interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system as well as our olfactory receptors, which is why we both smell and feel their effects. Whether you inhale or ingest CBD flower, terpenes bind to receptors in the brain and nervous system, with many reporting that they can influence mood, stress levels, and even pain perception.
For example, our ‘Lemonade’ flavoured CBD flower will not only give off a citrus aroma, but can also promote serotonin release. In other words, it’s not just flavour for flavour’s sake, but a complex interaction that can enhance or even change wellness outcomes depending entirely on the terpene profile present.
What Kind of Flavours Do CBD Flowers Have?
Walking through all the different flavours that CBD flowers have can take a while, so we’ll try to keep this short, focusing only on the most common flavour profiles. As we mentioned before, there are plenty of fruity flavours available. Limonene is one of them, but others include ocimene and myrcene, with the former reminiscent of sweet, tropical fruits like mango or citrus, and the latter reminiscent of fruits with an almost grape-like scent.
There are also earthy and woody flavours, such as pinene, humulene, and caryophyllene. Each of these flavours adds a distinct depth to the CBD experience, with pinene bringing the fresh, crisp aroma of pine forests, while humulene and caryophyllene introduce a warm, almost peppery spice that adds a little bit more complexity.
Other flavour profiles include linalool and terpinolene – which both have sweet and dessert-like flavours – eucalyptol and geraniol – which have a minty, and sometimes rosy flavour, with herbal undertones – and bisabolol and valencene – two less commonly discussed terpenes that also offer sweet, citrusy, and sometimes floral notes.
How Does This Inform the Intended Use?
These are just a few of the flavour profiles you can expect to come across in our CBD shop, but the important thing is not just how they taste, but how that taste will inform your intended use. As we mentioned previously, the key reasons why CBD is growing more popular has a lot to do with the potential health benefits, which include easing arthritis pain, mental health issues like depression or anxiety, and improving overall sleep quality.
With this in mind, many people choose their flavour profile based on the specific effects they’re hoping to achieve. Let’s say, for instance, you’re using CBD to help with your insomnia. In this case, you might want to look for a flavour profile that is rich in linalool and myrcene – two terpenes known for their calming and sedative effects, which can help promote relaxation and make it easier to fall asleep.
On the other hand, if you’re looking to reduce daytime anxiety or boost your mood without feeling drowsy, strains high in limonene or pinene might be more suitable, as they are reported to uplift and increase focus rather than cause sedation.
For pain relief, too, a common go-to for many of our customers include the terpene, caryophyllene, which stands out due to its anti-inflammatory properties and potential to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. These are the kinds of things to bear in mind when browsing our store and choosing which CBD flower is right for you.
Conclusion
In terms of the flavour – and the flavour alone – it’s also worth noting that the consumption method of CBD flower will inform how much of it you can taste! If you’re interested in trying our ‘Blueberry Pancake’ or our ‘Cherry Pie’ flavour, for instance, smoking or vaping the flower will potentially provide the most immediate and intense flavour experience compared to using it in edibles.
This is because the heat involved in smoking or vaping works to release the terpenes more effectively, allowing their full aroma and taste to come through. When terpenes are heated, of course, they volatilise and become airborne, which means they’re detected largely by your sense of taste and smell. Conversely, when CBD flower is used in edibles, the terpene content can easily be reduced or altered by cooking temperatures or the methods you choose, resulting in a milder or slightly different flavour profile.
How you choose to consume CBD flower, however, is entirely down to you. Both consumption methods have their own pros, so it all comes down to your personal preference and what experience you’re looking for. The point is that there are loads of flavour profiles available, and each one can offer something a little different to suit your taste and wellness needs. So take a browse and see what jumps out!