Welcome to our handy guide on how to make cannabutter, this recipe is part of a series called Guide to Cooking With, Eating, and Truly Enjoying Weed by Bonappetit.com. So, if you’re ready to embark on a culinary adventure with cannabis, you’re in the right place!
We’ll walk you through the process of creating your very own cannabutter, a versatile ingredient that can take your cooking to a whole new level. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, we’ve got you covered.
This creamy concoction is a key ingredient in many cannabis-infused recipes, and once you master it, the possibilities are endless. From delectable desserts to savoury delights, cannabutter opens a whole new realm of culinary creativity.
Remember, experimenting with cannabis in the kitchen can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to consume responsibly and be mindful of dosage. Enjoying weed is all about finding your own balance and discovering what works best for you.
Step 1: Unlocking the Magic! – Decarboxylation
Decarboxylation may sound like a fancy term, but trust us, it’s an essential process that makes all the difference in your cannabis-infused creations. Decarboxylation, or “decarbing” for short, involves baking your cannabis flower to activate its hidden potential. You see, in its raw form, cannabis contains inactive cannabinoids like THCA and CBDA. But through the power of heat, we can transform them into their active counterparts: THC and CBD.
Why is this important, you ask? Well, it’s the active cannabinoids that give you that blissful, euphoric experience when consuming cannabis. So, by decarbing your cannabis, you’re unlocking its psychoactive effects and getting the most out of your magical herb.
To start the decarbing process, it’s best to use whole cannabis flowers, not ground cannabis. Placing ground cannabis into your oven, especially those with a fan, can cause a fire hazard as they fly around inside your oven. Not to mention, the clean-up that would be required! So, keep those nuggets intact and ready for transformation.
let’s get baking! Place your cannabis nuggets on a baking tray and let them work their magic in the oven. The exact time and temperature will depend on the recipe you’re following, but a good rule of thumb is to bake at a moderate temperature to ensure even decarboxylation without burning those precious buds.
Once your cannabis has been baked to perfection, it’s time to break it up with a hand grinder, then you’re ready for the next step in our weed butter adventure.
Remember, decarboxylation is the key to unlocking the full potential of your cannabis. So, don’t skip this step if you want the best cannabis infusion and a truly magical culinary experience.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 oz (14grams) cannabis flower
Requirements:
- Baking paper (Parchment)
- Baking tray or oven-proof glass dish (flat)
- Hand herb grinder or scissors
Instructions to make:
- Preheat the oven to a toasty 220°F (104°C).
- let’s handle those buds with care. Gently break the buds into large pieces, ensuring an even spread of plant material on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. We don’t want any clumps or overcrowding here – let each bud bask in the oven’s warm embrace.
- Slide the baking sheet onto the centre rack of the oven and let the magic begin. The baking time will vary depending on the quality and moisture content of your cannabis. If you’re using older or lower-quality cannabis, 20 minutes should do the trick. For cured, high-grade buds, give them a cozy 45 minutes. And if you’re working with freshly harvested and still damp herb, you might need an hour or even more. Remember, patience is a virtue when it comes to crafting the perfect cannabis-infused creations.
- While your precious herb is getting its bake on, be sure to keep an eye on it. Check on it every 10 minutes or so and give it a gentle mix to prevent any burning. You’ll notice a beautiful transformation taking place—the vibrant green hues will deepen into a rich brownish green. That’s the sign that decarboxylation has worked its magic, and your cannabis is ready to shine.
- Once the baking time is up, remove the aromatic treasure from the oven and let it cool on the baking sheet. Take a moment to appreciate the tantalizing scents wafting through the air. Break it up using a hand grinder, scissors, or your nimble hands. You want your cannabis to be finely ground, but not so much that it slips through cheesecloth or disrupts your buttery masterpiece.
Now, with your decarbed cannabis ready and waiting, it’s time to move on to the next step. The adventure continues!
Step 2: A Magical Journey Begins! – Stovetop Infusion
Now that we’ve successfully decarbed our cannabis, it’s time to dive into infusing that potent herb into a luscious fat of your choice. Get ready for a time-intensive but oh-so-rewarding process that will result in glorious cannabutter.
While butter or ghee are popular choices for infusion, don’t be afraid to explore other options like olive oil, sesame oil, or coconut oil. The choice is yours, and the infusion process remains the same, no matter which fat you choose. However, if you’re going for the classic weed butter, it is recommended you use unsalted butter. This way, you have full control over the taste of the final product.
Time is our secret ingredient here. Set aside approximately four hours for this infusion process. Trust us, it’ll be worth the wait. The longer the cannabis and melted butter simmer together, the more potent your cannabutter will become. We’ve found that a four-hour infusion strikes the perfect balance—delivering just the right potency and a delightful hint of grassy flavour without overpowering your taste buds.
To prevent scalding and ensure a smooth infusion, it is recommended that you add water to the pot along with your butter and cannabis. This creates a gentle simmer and eliminates the need for a double boiler. Keep the saucepan on very low heat, and don’t forget to keep a watchful eye on it. We wouldn’t want any mishaps in the kitchen, would we? Next, let’s be honest—there might be a distinctive aroma permeating your kitchen. That’s the terpenes at work, those aromatic compounds responsible for cannabis’s unique smell. Embrace it as part of the experience!
If you prefer a more hands-off approach or desire a discreet cooking method, you can also opt to use a slow cooker set to the lowest setting. This way, you can let the magic happen while you go about your day.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 8 oz.(227grams) of unsalted butter, clarified butter, or oil of your choice.
- ½ oz. (14grams) decarboxylated cannabis
Requirements:
- 1 x medium size saucepan
- A wooden spoon
- A cooking thermometer
- A clean piece of cheesecloth and \or a mesh strainer.
Instructions to make:
- Place your saucepan over very low heat, then add the water and butter (or oil).
- Once melted, add the ground decarboxylated cannabis. Mix well and cover the saucepan with a lid.
- Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 4 hours, taking care to stir every 30mins so the butter won’t burn.
- With the thermometer, make sure to check that the mixture does not exceed 180°F (82 C).
- After 4 hours strain your mixture with threw the cheesecloth or mesh strainer into a container with an airtight lid. Before placing the lid on, let the butter cool to room temperature. You can enjoy your butter immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for up to six months.
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