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Herb Somm Terpene-Inspired Spice Blends
Dating back thousands of years, our society has incorporated many different healing herbs and spices into daily routines and rituals. Whether you are cooking or creating food recipes, elixirs, healing tinctures, and more, the variety of aromas, flavors, and healing properties that plants give us is astounding. One of the building blocks and most crucial compounds that differentiates plants, flowers, and herbs are terpenes. Terpenes are the fragrant oils that give Mother Nature aromatic diversity and are an incredible way for you to experience the world, including your food.
The following Herb Somm spice blends have been developed highlighting certain terpenes that are found in both cannabis and hemp. Inspired by cannabis’ unique aroma and flavor profiles, use these spice blends in your cooking to highlight different natural terpenes in a variety of recipes. I’ve also included an option to infuse each one using CBD isolate (or THCA isolate). For best results, look for CBD formulation powder, which is a finer, less crystallized version of isolate powder that’s been made for cooking. Enjoy!
beta-Spice Blend
a beta-Caryophyllene inspired spice blend
Inspired by the spicy characteristics of beta-Caryophyllene (β–Caryophyllene), this blend includes ingredients such as cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Because β–Caryophyllene is most expressive with rich spice notes, use this spice to season a variety of meats such as chicken, beef, lamb, or burgers. Don’t eat meat? No problem. This blend also makes a fantastic spice to add to vegetables before grilling. Best wine pairing? After creating a recipe using this spice blend, pair with Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, or Shiraz - big, bold, spicy, and fulfilling on the palate.
Equipment
2-ounce canning jar
Measuring spoons
Mortar and pestle
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground pink Himalayan salt
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Optional: .25 grams CBD isolate (250mg CBD)
Directions:
Using a mortar and pestle, add all ingredients into the mortar and mix together well. Empty the final spice blend into a 2-ounce canning jar, label, seal, then store until you’re ready to use in a recipe. For best results, store in a dark spice cabinet preferably without high humidity to prevent clumping over time.
Herb Somm de Provence
a linalool-inspired spice blend
Known for its floral aromas, linalool is a comforting terpene that helps alleviates stress. Its best known characteristic is its signature scent of lavender, plus other wildflower notes including rose petal, geranium, citrus blossom, among others. Highlighting lavender and a hint of crushed rose petal, this linalool spice blend will bring harmony to your kitchen. Blending together both floral and savory notes, add a tablespoon to season organic chicken, seafood, or mixed vegetables. It’s a perfect addition to olive oil for dipping bread. I also love sprinkling this blend on top of goat cheese and crackers served with a chilled glass of Provence rosé. Please excuse me as my palate drifts away to the South of France!
Equipment:
2-ounce canning jar
Coffee grinder (cleaned)
Measuring spoons
Mortar and pestle
Ingredients:
In Grinder:
1 tablespoon dried rosemary
¼ teaspoon fennel seed
½ teaspoon tarragon
¼ teaspoon sage
⅛ teaspoon savory
⅛ teaspoon dried marjoram
⅛ teaspoon chopped dried garlic (or about 6-8 dried chopped garlic flakes)
In Mortar:
2 tablespoons dried thyme
1 tablespoon chervil
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried lavender
1 teaspoon crushed dried rose petal
Optional: .25 grams CBD isolate power (250mg CBD)
Directions:
Using a clean coffee or spice grinder, combine rosemary, fennel seed, chopped dried garlic, marjoram, savory, tarragon, and sage. Blend for 5 seconds until the herbs are chopped but not a powder. Remove and set aside. Add thyme, chervil, basil, and oregano to your mortar. Slowly begin to stir in the spices from the grinder. Next, slowly fold in the lavender and crushed rose petals. Transfer to the final spice blend into an 2-ounce canning jar. Label, seal, and store until you’re ready to use in a recipe. For best results, store in a dark spice cabinet preferably without high humidity to prevent clumping over time.
About the Author:
Jamie Evans is the founder of The Herb Somm. She is an educator, host, and writer specializing in cannabis, food, recipes, wine, and the canna-culinary world. In addition to her work in the cannabis industry, Jamie has over eleven years of wine industry experience and is a Certified Specialist of Wine. Having represented a wide array of organizations and wineries, she is best known for her literary work and producing high-end events. She was also recently named as one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers in 2018.
