National Cooking Day, celebrated every September 25th, is a time to appreciate the art of preparing meals, experimenting with new ingredients, and embracing the creativity of the kitchen.
As Thanksgiving heroes dust off their chef hats once more, why not try something new by incorporating CBD into your culinary creations? Cooking with CBD has been gaining popularity as more people recognize its potential health benefits and versatility as an ingredient.
Ready to spice up your kitchen? Let’s dive in.
Understanding CBD
CBD is one of over a hundred cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not have psychoactive effects, meaning it won’t get you "high." Instead, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes like mood, appetite, and pain sensation.
Why People Are Turning to CBD in Cooking
Incorporating CBD into your meals isn't just a trendy addition to your kitchen repertoire—many people are using it as part of their wellness routine to address common challenges. While ongoing research is exploring the full effects of CBD, it has gained attention for its potential to support various aspects of everyday well-being. Here are some reasons people may consider adding CBD to their cooking:
- Anxiety and Stress: Many individuals struggle with feelings of anxiety and stress in their daily lives. It’s estimated that 19.1% of U.S. adults have an anxiety disorder, being the most common mental illness. Some turn to CBD in hopes that it may provide a sense of calm and relaxation, offering a natural way to wind down after a hectic day.
- Pain and Inflammation: According to the U.S. Pain Foundation, 21% of adults live with chronic pain. Whether it's muscle soreness after exercise or chronic pain from ongoing conditions, discomfort is something many people face. Those seeking alternatives to conventional relief options sometimes use CBD, believing it could assist with managing post-workout recovery or everyday aches.
- Sleep Difficulties: Insomnia and trouble falling asleep are common issues for many. In fact, about 30% of adults show symptoms of insomnia. CBD is often included in nighttime routines as some believe it may help promote more restful sleep, especially when paired with soothing meals or beverages before bed. If you’re one of the many Americans who suffer from trouble sleeping, try giving our high-potency CBN + CBD Sleep Gummies a go.
The Basics of CBD in Cooking
Before diving into the world of CBD recipes, it’s essential to understand how CBD works when used as a culinary ingredient. Here are a few basic guidelines:
- Start with High-Quality CBD: The key to successfully cooking with CBD starts with selecting a high-quality product. Full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains other beneficial compounds like terpenes and cannabinoids, is often considered the best choice for cooking. This is because full-spectrum CBD provides what’s known as the "entourage effect," meaning that all the compounds work together to enhance each other’s effects. Look for CBD oils or tinctures made from organically grown hemp, with clear labeling about the concentration of CBD and third-party lab testing results. High-quality oils help ensure you’re getting the full range of benefits without harmful additives or contaminants.
- Mind the Dosage: When cooking with CBD, it’s important that you’re incorporating just the right amount to experience the benefits without overdoing it. Start with a low dose, especially if you’re new to using CBD, and gradually increase as you become more familiar with its effects. See our dosage recommendations below.
- Avoid High Heat: CBD is a delicate compound, and cooking it at high temperatures can diminish its effectiveness. When exposed to temperatures above 320°F (160°C), CBD starts to break down, losing potency. To help preserve its benefits, avoid direct heat. Instead, add CBD oil to your recipes after cooking or use it in low-heat preparations like dressings, sauces, or smoothies.
- Fat is Your Friend: CBD is fat-soluble, meaning it binds well to fats such as butter, oil, or ghee. When you combine CBD with fats, your body absorbs it more efficiently. This is why many CBD-infused recipes, such as baked goods or sauces, often use ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, or butter. These fats can enhance CBD’s bioavailability, helping ensure that you’re getting the most out of every meal.
- Experiment with Flavors: CBD oil has a natural, earthy flavor that can complement or clash with your dishes. Experiment with different flavor profiles to find combinations that work well. Citrus, mint, chocolate, and savory herbs like rosemary and thyme are known to pair nicely with CBD’s distinct taste.
Creative Ways to Use CBD in Your Cooking
- CBD-Infused Oils and Butter: Creating your own CBD-infused oils and butter is a great way to incorporate CBD into a variety of dishes. Simply heat your oil or butter on low heat, add the desired amount of CBD oil, and stir until thoroughly mixed. Use these infusions in cooking, baking, or as a topping for bread, popcorn, or vegetables.
- CBD Smoothies and Juices: Boost your morning routine with a CBD-infused smoothie or juice. Add a few drops of CBD oil to your favorite blend of fruits, vegetables, and yogurt for a wellness-enhancing treat.
- CBD Salad Dressings and Sauces: Whip up a CBD-infused vinaigrette or sauce to drizzle over salads, grilled vegetables, or pasta. For a simple dressing, combine olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, and a few drops of CBD oil. For sauces, consider infusing CBD into aioli, pesto, or even guacamole for a flavorful twist.
- CBD Desserts: Satisfy your sweet tooth with CBD-infused desserts. Brownies, cookies, and cakes are popular choices for incorporating CBD. Remember to add the CBD oil to the fat component of your recipe (like butter or oil) and mix thoroughly. No-bake desserts, such as chocolate truffles or energy bites, are also ideal since they don’t require exposure to high heat.
- CBD Beverages: CBD can be a delightful addition to both hot and cold beverages. Add a few drops of CBD oil to your coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a relaxing treat. Alternatively, mix it into cocktails or mocktails for a refreshing twist. CBD pairs particularly well with herbal teas, citrusy drinks, and creamy beverages.
Safety Considerations When Cooking with CBD
As with any supplement, it’s important to use CBD responsibly when cooking. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Know the Source of Your CBD: Always ensure that the CBD product you are using is sourced from reputable manufacturers who provide third-party lab testing results. This guarantees that the product is free of contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.
- Consult with a Healthcare Professional: Before incorporating CBD into your diet, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications, consult with a healthcare professional. They can help determine the appropriate dosage and ensure it won't interfere with your current medications.
- Keep it Out of Reach of Children and Pets: If you are cooking with CBD, ensure that the infused foods are kept out of reach of children and pets. While CBD is non-psychoactive, it may not be appropriate for all age groups or animal species.
- Monitor Dosage: As mentioned earlier, start with a low dosage of CBD and gradually increase as needed. Each person’s body reacts differently to CBD, so pay attention to how you feel and adjust accordingly.
- Use Proper Storage: CBD oil should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain its potency. Exposure to light and heat can degrade the oil over time, reducing its effectiveness.
Cooking with lost range.® CBD: The Perfect Addition to Your Kitchen
At lost range.® CBD, we offer premium, high-quality products that are ideal for incorporating into your culinary creations. Whether you’re whipping up a smoothie, drizzling honey over roasted vegetables, or crafting a delicious marinade, our CBD tinctures and Whipped CBD Honey are perfect for adding an extra layer of flavor and wellness to your meals.
Our tinctures, crafted from Colorado-grown hemp, are available in Full-Spectrum and Isolate varieties, giving you flexibility depending on your personal preferences and dietary needs. For those following a Whole30 lifestyle plan, you'll be pleased to know that all of our CBD tinctures are Whole30 Approved®. This means you can enjoy the benefits of CBD without worrying about additives, sweeteners, or ingredients that aren’t compatible with your clean-eating plan.
lost range.® CBD Honey is another excellent way to infuse CBD into your meals. Sourced from local beekeepers in Steamboat Springs, CO, this honey is infused with Full-Spectrum CBD oil and whipped to a light, creamy consistency. It’s perfect for drizzling over breakfast dishes, adding to teas, or using in salad dressings and marinades. The combination of high-quality honey and CBD makes this a nutrient-packed option full of natural goodness.
Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting friends, lost range.® CBD products are an easy and healthy way to incorporate CBD into your routine. Plus, with the Whole30 seal of approval, you can confidently use our tinctures in your kitchen, knowing you're supporting your wellness goals with clean, natural ingredients.
BONUS: 5 Fun Fall-Inspired CBD-Infused Recipes
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, now is the perfect time to start adding some new, health-conscious recipes to your arsenal. Stay tuned for a full blog featuring Thanksgiving-themed CBD recipes coming soon! In the meantime, here are five fun and flavorful fall CBD-infused recipes, perfect for embracing the season with a wellness twist:
1. CBD-Infused Pumpkin Spice Latte
Warm up with this seasonal favorite, infused with a calming dose of CBD.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brewed coffee or espresso
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 serving lost range.® tincture
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, heat almond milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until fully blended and warm.
- Brew your coffee or espresso.
- Mix the coffee and milk mixture together.
- Add your preferred amount of lost range.® CBD tincture.
- Top with whipped cream and an extra sprinkle of pumpkin spice, if desired.
2. CBD Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Prepare these the night before for a quick, CBD-infused breakfast that’s full of fall flavor.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup almond milk
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 serving lost range.® CBD tincture
- Optional toppings: chopped apples, nuts, honey
Instructions:
- In a jar, combine oats, almond milk, applesauce, chia seeds, and cinnamon. Stir well.
- Add your lost range.® CBD tincture and stir again.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, add your favorite toppings like fresh apples, nuts, or honey.
3. CBD-Infused Butternut Squash Soup
This creamy, comforting soup is the perfect fall dinner, with the added boost of CBD.
Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp curry powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 serving lost range.® CBD tincture
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add butternut squash, curry powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat.
- Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Once the squash is tender, blend the soup until smooth.
- Stir in your CBD tincture just before serving, and enjoy a warm, nourishing meal.
4. CBD Honey-Roasted Carrots
Sweet and savory roasted carrots with lost range.® Whipped CBD Honey makes a perfect side dish for fall meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lost range.® Whipped CBD Honey
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss the carrots in olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
- Roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Drizzle with lost range.® Whipped CBD Honey and roast for another 5 minutes.
- Serve as a sweet and flavorful side.
5. CBD Pumpkin Bread
A fall favorite, this moist and flavorful pumpkin bread is infused with lost range.® CBD for a calming treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups flour
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 serving lost range.® CBD tincture
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and pumpkin pie spice.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until combined.
- Stir in lost range.® CBD tincture.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before slicing and enjoy a delicious, CBD-infused fall treat.
Final Thoughts
National Cooking Day is a time to celebrate creativity in the kitchen, and cooking with CBD offers an innovative way to experiment with flavors while potentially enhancing your wellness. By choosing high-quality CBD products, starting with low doses, and pairing CBD with complementary flavors, you can create delicious and unique dishes that offer both enjoyment and potential health benefits.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to try something new, these tips for cooking with CBD will help you make the most of this exciting ingredient. Embrace the possibilities, and enjoy a flavorful National Cooking Day with CBD-infused culinary delights!
And remember to stay tuned for our full Thanksgiving Recipes Blog coming soon!
