Elevate the Flavours of Your Extracts!
Have you ever wanted to formulate your own flavours and aromas for your extracts? Are you curious about the world of terpenes? Look no further! We've laid out all the steps for you to dive into the exciting world of making your own terpene blends. Crafting your unique terpene formulas is easier than you might think. Not only will you be able to personalize your extracts, but you'll also unlock a whole new catalogue of flavours. Keep reading to learn how to mix terpenes and extracts, and discover the art of creating your own terpene blends.
Find Your Flavour!
When it comes to creating a terpene blend, the first step is to select terpenes that complement the flavour profiles you prefer. Terpenes play a significant role in contributing to the taste, aroma, and overall experience of your extracts. To pick terpenes based on flavour, consider the specific notes you want to achieve. Are you seeking a citrusy tang, a sweet and fruity sensation, or a deep earthy richness?
Understanding the flavour profiles of different terpenes will help you make informed choices. Some common terpenes include limonene, myrcene, pinene, and linalool, each offering distinct flavours. By experimenting with different terpene combinations, you can create unique blends that elevate the flavours of your favourite extracts and provide a truly personalized experience. Or try one of CannTerp's premium terpene catalogue of smells and tastes. You can choose from existing blends, including popular strains, desserts, beverages, fruits and more.
Know Your Terpenes
Terpenes not only contribute to the flavour and aroma but also interact synergistically with other compounds, such as cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Terpenes can modulate and enhance the effects of cannabinoids, influencing the therapeutic benefits or recreational experience. When selecting terpenes for your blends, consider their potential effects and how they can impact the overall experience of the final product.
Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, boost your mood, or relieve discomfort, understanding the potential effects of different terpenes can help you curate a custom blend that aligns with your personal preferences.
How to Measure Terpenes
To accurately measure terpenes, there are a few methods you can use. If you have access to a precise measuring tool like a cylinder, pipette, or syringe, these are ideal for achieving precise measurements. However, if these tools aren't available, you can still measure terpenes using a dripulator or dropper.
One handy tip is to know that approximately 20 drops of liquid equal about 1 millilitre (1 mL). By keeping track of the number of drops, you can estimate the amounts needed for larger batches. This method allows for a rough measurement, especially when working with smaller quantities.
Remember, while this technique can provide a general guideline, it may not be as accurate as using precision measuring tools. If accuracy is crucial, it's recommended to use proper measuring equipment to ensure exact and consistent results.
Start with a Small Batch
Now that you have a narrowed-down list of terpenes, it's time to dive into the exciting experimentation process! Using a dropper, begin by adding a few drops of your selected terpenes one at a time to observe how they contribute to the aroma and taste when combined. Starting with only a few drops allows for more flexibility in adjusting your formula gradually until you discover the ideal blend of flavours.
This incremental approach lets you fine-tune your terpene combination drop by drop to achieve the desired taste and aroma profile. Once you've found the perfect formula, you can scale up the measurements from drops to millilitres and create a larger batch. You can easily reproduce your flavorful terpene mixture in larger quantities by converting the precise drop measurements to standardized units, such as millilitres.
Take notes!
When experimenting and adding terpenes, it's essential to write down the exact formula as you're making it! Keep a piece of paper and pencil handy to jot down the details. Remember, oils and extracts can cause pen ink to smudge, so using a pencil for your recipes ensures they will remain legible for longer periods. Writing it down will help you recreate your successful terpene blends again and again.
Determine the desired ratio:
The recommended percentage of liquid terpenes to add to an extract can vary depending on several factors, including personal preference, the potency of the terpenes, and the desired flavour and effects. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as it ultimately comes down to individual taste.
However, it is generally suggested to start with a smaller amount, such as 1-3% of the total volume of the extract. Starting with a lower percentage allows you to gauge the impact on flavour and effects before adjusting the ratio further. As you gain experience and familiarity with the specific terpenes and their potency, you can gradually increase or decrease the percentage to fine-tune the desired outcome. It's advisable not to exceed a terpene concentration of 10% in your final product. The exact concentration may vary based on your product's viscosity, but as a general guideline, you can expect an average concentration of around 7%.
Mix thoroughly
Combine the measured extract and terpenes in a suitable container, such as a small glass bottle or bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly mixed. Gently stir or swirl the mixture to help achieve an even distribution of terpenes. It's good practice to allow the terpenes to blend and set. After mixing, let your blend sit briefly. This can help improve the flavour and overall experience.
Achieving the Perfect Balance: A Guide to Viscosity
When using CannTerp's pure terpenes, their potency can be quite intense. The quantity of terpenes you add to your product should be tailored to your personal taste. Since our individual scent and taste receptors can vary, some people may be more sensitive than others. To ensure the best experience, we recommend starting with a small amount and gradually increasing to your desired strength and taste preference.
In cases where your extract or concentrate is still too thick after adding your desired terpene amount for your flavour preference, you may need to consider a terpene diluent. Our CannTerp terpene diluent is free from additives and consists of 100% pure terpenes. This blend is designed to be as odourless and tasteless as possible, helping you achieve consistency without altering the scent or taste of your product, as some other terpene blends or isolates might.
You can start by adding a few drops and thoroughly mixing. The desired viscosity will vary based on your desired product, but generally should be close to the consistency of honey. Keep in mind that you need to let the formulation cool to room temperature to ensure you have the desired viscosity.
How to Store Your Terpenes: Protect and Preserve!
Terpenes are packaged in coloured glass containers with airtight lids for a reason. The coloured glass prevents sunlight from penetrating, while the airtight seal guards against oxidation. To store your terpenes properly, either find a similar airtight bottle or reuse the original container they came in. Always keep your terpene mixtures in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and moisture. This maintains their potency and preserves their true flavours.
It's That Easy!
Just remember to start with small amounts and gradually adjust the terpene ratios to find the perfect balance that suits your needs. The key to mastering terpene blending lies in experimentation. Enjoy the process of exploring various combinations and unlocking the full potential of flavours that CannTerp terpenes have to offer! CannTerp provides the best terpenes in Canada. We are your top source for premium terpenes and have pick-up available in the Greater Toronto area.
Author:
Amanda Breeze is an enthusiastic educator on all things terpenes and aroma. She hosts The Smoking Spot podcast, featuring stories and sensory evaluations of our favourite plant. Follow her on Instagram: @emerald.temple.living