Tips to “Euphoriate” Your Holiday Feast
By now, you’ve likely planned your Thanksgiving menu and stocked up on most of your essential ingredients. If you’re still pondering your choice of adult recreational “condiments,” Green Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) is a great excuse to expand the menu beyond holiday punch and spiked egg nog.
With more folks exploring cannabis, and many supplanting their cocktail fuzz with a marijuana buzz, we’ve got some cannabis pairing suggestions to bulletproof your mood against even the most abrasive family members.
The Art of Cannabis Pairing
Cannabis pairing, much like wine pairing, is about finding strains that enhance the flavors and mood of a meal. Each strain offers distinct terpene profiles, which contribute to aroma, taste, and effect. By understanding these profiles, you can create pairings that elevate each dish on your Thanksgiving table.
Pairing Guide: Strains for Every Course
1. Starters: Light Appetizers and Salads
Begin your meal with a light, citrusy strain like Lemon Kush Mints. This strain has a bright, uplifting terpene profile with notes of citrus. Pair them with appetizers like goat cheese crostini, citrus-dressed salads, or smoked salmon for a refreshing start to the meal.
2. The Main Event: Turkey and Sides
Thanksgiving turkey, with its savory seasoning and juicy richness, pairs beautifully with hybrid strains that balance relaxation with alertness. Try Blue Dream or OG Kush. Their earthy and berry undertones complement the turkey’s flavors while also balancing classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted vegetables. These hybrids can keep you relaxed yet engaged, perfect for enjoying the heart of the feast.
For vegetarian or vegan mains, such as a nut roast or lentil loaf, consider Granddaddy Purp, a strain with a rich grape-like flavor that matches the umami notes of plant-based dishes.
3. Cranberry Sauce and Sweet Potato Casserole
The sweet-tart flavors of cranberry sauce and the caramelized richness of sweet potato casserole shine alongside a strain like Tangie. This sativa-dominant option has a bright orange aroma and flavor that echoes the fruity sweetness on your plate.
4. Desserts: Pumpkin Pie and Pecan Pie
When dessert rolls around, it’s time to indulge in a decadent indica strain like Cloudberry or Gelato. These strains offer sweet, creamy, and slightly earthy notes that pair seamlessly with traditional desserts like pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or apple crisp. Their calming effects are ideal for settling into the cozy post-meal vibe.
5. Digestif: After-Dinner Relaxation
After a satisfying meal, unwind with a soothing strain like Cherry Kush. This strain has a floral and fruity profile that complements herbal teas or after-dinner coffee, making it the perfect capstone to your Thanksgiving celebration.
Celebrate Green Wednesday at the Purple Owl Dispensary this Thanksgiving by exploring cannabis pairings that add depth and delight to your holiday table. With the right strains, you can enhance flavors, elevate your mood, and create a truly memorable meal for everyone to enjoy.
From our table to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!