Ice cream is so popular in the United States that we have deemed the month of July “National Ice Cream Month.” Ice cream cools you down while satisfying your sweet tooth, and it comes in so many flavours (like way beyond 31 at this point). But a love of ice cream goes even deeper than that, to the deep nostalgic recesses of our minds. Many adults eat ice cream in the summer to feel like a kid again. But did you know that you can elevate your ice cream experience by pairing flavors with strains of weed? Whether your favorite flavor is chocolate chip or butter pecan, there is a terpene pairing that will complement and enhance your ice cream cone.
Marijuana strains get their flavor from terpenes, which provide the scent and flavor for all fruits, plants and herbs. Terpenes have therapeutic effects of their own. In cannabis strains, scientists believe terpenes work together with cannabinoids to create an entourage effect (changing or amplifying your high). Below we’ve listed the top terpene pairings for ice cream flavors and popular strains of weed.
1. Myrcene
Most well-known for giving mangos their flavor, myrcene has calming and analgesic effects. It’s found in hops and lemongrass, as well as in cannabis strains like Granddaddy Purple and OG Kush. Myrcene’s flavor is earthy, musky and semi-sweet; it pairs well with tropical flavors that enhance the sweetness. Ice cream flavors like banana, pineapple and mango will play to myrcene’s strengths, creating an island frozen daiquiri vibe.
2. Linalool
Linalool is responsible for lavender’s calming aroma. The sedative, relaxing effects help to reduce anxiety and stress, and it’s found in indica cannabis strains such as Do-SiDos. The floral, slightly spicy flavor of linalool works well with vanilla or citrus flavors. Try pairing with French vanilla ice cream for a Parisian experience, or lemon sorbet for a refreshing summer treat.
3. Beta-caryophyllene
Known for its healing properties, beta-caryophyllene is a terpene that also acts as a cannabinoid by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It gives cloves and cinnamon their spiciness, and it’s found in cannabis strains like Girl Scout Cookies and Sour Diesel. The peppery flavor pairs well with sweeter flavors like chocolate or butter pecan.
4. Pinene
Pinene is responsible for the scent of pine needles and is also present in rosemary and basil. The effects of pinene include pain relief and reduced anxiety, and it’s found in the marijuana strain Blue Dream. The pine flavor pairs well with citrus or a mild flavor like vanilla. Try pairing pinene strains with rainbow sherbet or creamsicle ice cream flavors.
5. Limonene
Limonene is an uplifting terpene found in citrus fruits. It is known to elevate mood and relieve stress, present in sativa cannabis strains like Strawberry Banana and Super Lemon Haze. The bright, lemony flavor pairs well with other fruit flavors and vanilla. Pair limonene strains with ice cream flavors like strawberry, coconut or vanilla.
6. Humulene
As the main terpene found in hops, humulene is responsible for the flavor and aroma of beer. It is also present in many varieties of cannabis, including popular strains Gelato and GSC. The bitter flavor of humulene helps to cut sweetness of other flavors. For this reason, the terpene pairs well with ice cream flavors like cookies ’n’ cream and chocolate chip cookie dough.
