By Luke Sumpter

Cannabis plants feature a wide selection of aromas and flavours, ranging in both quality and quantity. Each cannabis strain has its distinct palette of tastes and smells. Those unique and defining characteristics are accomplished through careful and knowledgeable breeding. Getting the desired aromas in such a manner is very time-consuming.

On the other hand, there are quick ways of artificially flavoring cannabis both pre- and post-harvest. The process of artificial flavoring is manageable by most growers but is unlikely to satisfy true cannabis connoisseurs and purists. Also, all the potential benefits that naturally occurring smell molecules may have, are thought not to be present in artificially flavoured cannabis.

Terpenes and Terpenoids

Terpenes are found all throughout nature. These aromatic molecules are responsible for the delightful aromas of flowers, trees, and fruits. They also underpin the signature scent of weed. Every time you enter your grow room or garden, you have terpenes to thank for the mind-blowing smells.

Every cannabis strain produces its own unique terpene profile. Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the quantity and type of terpenes that each plant churns out. Varying terpene profiles explain why some strains offer sweet and sugary tastes, while others are much more fuel-like and earthy.

Aside from supplying delicious and unique tastes, terpenes also heavily influence the cannabis high. THC underpins the main psychotropic effect of the herb, but different terpenes modulate the experience through the entourage effect[1]. Terpenes such as myrcene synergise with THC to create a relaxing physical effect, whereas limonene works alongside cannabinoids to create more of a stimulating outcome.

During the drying and curing process, volatile terpenes become oxidised and break down into terpenoids that impart their own unique effects. Correct preparation post-harvest will create an optimal terpenoid content with an overall improved taste and smoothness.

Fruit Scent in Cannabis

Many cannabis strains send flavours of fruit rolling across the tongue. Not surprisingly, cannabis produces several terpenes also found in popular fruits. Terpenes such as limonene and valencene are found in fruit peels, underpinning the citrusy tastes that many strains carry. Other dominant fruity terpenes include myrcene and pinene. Overall, fruity strains feature a balance of citrus, earthiness, bitterness, and sweetness.

In contrast, some cannabis strains possess an entirely sweet terpene profile, with no fruit-like bitterness or citrus undertones. Often described as sugary and candy-like, these strains feature high levels of caryophyllene, terpinolene, and myrcene (many strains are high in myrcene).

Myrcene

Myrcene is a terpene found in large quantities in mango, and it's one of the most dominant terpenes in cannabis. It is thought that myrcene facilitates cannabinoid uptake in the brain, therefore strengthening and lengthening the cannabis high.

Animal studies[2] have shown myrcene to display muscle-relaxing and sleep-promoting properties. And, while it's unclear if and how these findings translate to humans, cannabis strains with high doses of myrcene do tend to induce a strong physical stone. In any case, this musky, fruity terpene is able to captivate the senses on impact, adding a deep note to all manner of fruity strains.

Mango

Limonene

Limonene is the terpene most associated with citrus fruit. Scents of orange and lemon permeate the air and invigorate the senses. Unsurprisingly, citrus-flavoured cannabis is considered to feature the most uplifting and happy highs, while still having considerable soothing properties. Smoking a strain high in limonene tends to result in joyful outbursts, euphoria, and a desire to be social.

These traits also make fruity strains high in limonene a good option for wake-and-baking, enjoying on the beach, or otherwise smoking during the daytime hours.

Citrus

Pinene

Of all the terpenes, pinene occurs the most frequently throughout nature. The aromatic compound is responsible for the gorgeous scent of pine forests and Thai lime, and also contributes a similar aroma to cannabis strains.

If you often experience moments of clarity while walking through the woods, you may have pinene to thank. Smelling this terpene has links to improved short-term memory[3], and, interestingly, may help to offset some of the short-term memory impairments caused by smoking weed. That said, this has yet to be proven. But if you tend to forget where you placed your lighter after smoking, consider smoking a pinene-rich strain to jog your memory.

Other than myrcene, limonene, and pinene, a lot of other terpenes and terpenoids are found in fruit-flavoured cannabis. Some of those include undecanal, methyl-2-methylvaleratem, geraniol, valeraldehyde, terpineol-4-ol, β-Ionone and β-Ionol.

Pinene

Top Fruit-Flavoured Cannabis Strains

Every cannabis smoker has their preferences when it comes to taste, and those that love fruity flavours are spoilt for choice. From tangy citrus to sweet forest fruits and berries, there is a fruity strain out there for all. Below, we’ve divided the fruitiest cannabis strains into four distinct sub-categories to help you find the flavours you most desire.

  • Sweet & Candy

Sweet, candy-flavoured strains offer all the sugary tastes of fruit, without any bitterness or earthiness to steal the show. Light up your sweet taste buds with these delicious cultivars.

Sweet ZZ

If you’re looking for sugar, Sweet ZZ has the answer. After crossing fruity parent strains Grape Ape and Grapefruit, our breeders were shocked by just how sweet the progeny tasted. Sweet ZZ possesses an 80% indica genetic profile and packs a THC content of 22%. Every hit delivers gorgeous flavours and a body-slamming high perfect for the evenings.

Sweet ZZ

Sweet ZZ
23_genetic background_1 Grape Ape x Grapefruit
33_Yield indoors_1 550 - 600 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 140 cm
25_flowering time_1 7 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 22%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 20% Indica 80%
34_yield outdoor_1 500 - 550 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 160 - 200 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late September
22_Effect_1 Calming, Stoned

Buy Sweet ZZ

Royal Runtz

The flowers of this strain are truly remarkable. They churn out huge quantities of phytochemicals that deliver a highly potent and flavourful experience. Our breeders created Royal Runtz by crossing legendary strains Gelato and Zkittlez. The result? Astronomical THC levels of 27% and an insanely sweet terpene profile. Flavours of candy, fruit, and sweetness dance on the tongue after that first hit of a joint or vape. Soon you’ll feel her euphoric high take you skyward.

Royal Runtz

Royal Runtz
23_genetic background_1 Gelato x Zkittlez
33_Yield indoors_1 450 - 500 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 90 - 130 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 27%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 50% Indica 50%
34_yield outdoor_1 400 - 450 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 160 - 180 cm
27_harvest period_1 Middle of October
22_Effect_1 Euphoric, Uplifting

Buy Royal Runtz

Honey Cream

If her name didn’t tempt you, her smell will. Sweet terpenes fill the air when removing these flowers from their stash jars. This sugary variety stems from delicious parents BlueBlack, Maple Leaf Indica, and White Rhino. She harnesses the best traits from each of these strains, including a muscle-melting body high and scrumptious flavours. These buds contain a moderate THC content of 16% and a medium level of CBD, synergising with terpenes to provide a mellow high ideal for casual daytime smoking.

Honey Cream

Honey Cream (Fast Flowering)
23_genetic background_1 BlueBlack x Maple Leaf Indica x White Rhino
33_Yield indoors_1 500 - 550 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 100 - 160 cm
25_flowering time_1 7 - 8 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 16%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 35% Indica 65%
34_yield outdoor_1 625 - 675 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 180 - 250 cm
27_harvest period_1 Early October
22_Effect_1 Psychedelic

Buy Honey Cream (Fast Flowering)

  • Citrus

Citrus cannabis strains offer more of a complex terpene experience. They provide some of the sweetness of candy strains, along with hints of bitterness, earthiness, and floral notes inherent to citrus fruits.

Sherbet Queen

Sherbet Queen tastes as good as she looks. This indica-dominant lady produces dense flowers coated in a thick layer of trichomes and brilliant yellow pistils. These sparkly nuggets emit pungent scents of fruit, sweetness, and citrus inherited from parent strains Pink Panties and Sunset Sherbet. Smoke this strain to enjoy unrivalled tastes of fruit, but take things one toke at a time. Her THC content of 24% will have you feeling really chill—so much so that you might autumn asleep.

Sherbet Queen

Sherbet Queen
23_genetic background_1 Pink Panties x Sunset Sherbet
33_Yield indoors_1 450 - 525 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 120 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 10 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 24%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 15% Indica 85%
34_yield outdoor_1 450 - 500 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 140 - 180 cm
27_harvest period_1 October
22_Effect_1 Calming, Clear, Heavy, Sleepy

Buy Sherbet Queen

Watermelon

This tasty variety was created using Watermelon OG S1 genetics. Her flowers will get your saliva flowing before you even take a toke, with their vibrant shades of green and purple. This indica-dominant variety boasts intense flavours of, you guessed it, watermelon. They come to the fore through vaporization and are a great addition to edibles. Try not to get too carried away, though. THC levels of 22% mean most smokers need to take things slow.

Watermelon
23_genetic background_1 Watermelon OG S1
33_Yield indoors_1 450 - 500 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 130 cm
25_flowering time_1 7 - 8 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 22%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 20% Indica 80%
34_yield outdoor_1 450 - 500 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 150 - 200 cm
27_harvest period_1 October
22_Effect_1 Calming, Physically Relaxing, Sleepy

Buy Watermelon

  • Tropical Fruit

Tropical fruit terpene profiles occupy the middle-ground between citrus and candy. They pack a sweet hit that makes the mouth water, but also bring a heavy tang that sets them apart from super-sweet and fruity strains.

Fat Banana

As one of the strongest strains in the Royal Queen Seeds archive, Fat Banana lands a heavy blow to the body while sending a jolt of energy to the mind, courtesy of 25% THC and tropical terpenes. A cross of Banana and OG Kush, this high-yielding hybrid serves as a superb release at the end of a long and busy day. Feel your body and mind unwind as sultry flavours tease your taste buds.

Fat Banana

Fat Banana
23_genetic background_1 Banana x OG Kush
33_Yield indoors_1 350 - 400 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 80 - 140 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 10 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 25%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 30% Indica 70%
34_yield outdoor_1 450 - 500 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 170 - 200 cm
27_harvest period_1 Late September
22_Effect_1 Calming

Buy Fat Banana

  • Berry

Some of the most famous cannabis strains of all time boast a berry-forward flavour profile. A perfect balance of sweetness and tartness ramps up saliva production and becomes very moreish, very quickly.

Blue Mystic

Blue Mystic stems from Oregon and California—home to some of the best breeders in the world. As the progeny of Oregon Blueberry and Northern Light, this indica-dominant lady packs a stoning high alongside tastes of berries and sweetness. Her relaxing terpenes, medium levels of CBD, and high levels of THC converge to produce a sense of peace and euphoria.

Blue Mystic

Blue Mystic
23_genetic background_1 Oregon Blueberry x Northern Light
33_Yield indoors_1 375 - 425 gr/m2
31_plant height outdoor_1 60 - 100 cm
25_flowering time_1 8 - 9 weeks
29_THC_1 THC: 18%
28_Type Blend_1 Sativa 20% Indica 80%
34_yield outdoor_1 400 - 450 gr/plant
32_plant height outdoors_1 180 - 220 cm
27_harvest period_1 October
22_Effect_1 Stoned

Buy Blue Mystic

How to Grow the Fruitiest Weed Possible

No matter what kind of fruity weed you prefer, you can employ growing techniques to make sure each harvest tastes as flavourful as possible. Check out the quick tips below to maximise the terpene content of your flowers.

  • Feeding: Make sure your plants have all the nutrients they need to manufacture these smelly molecules. Fill your containers with high-quality compost and add mycorrhizal fungi to your soil to make nutrients available to your plants.
  • Lighting: Outdoor plants make plenty of terpenes when exposed to the sun, as UV rays drive terpene production. If you’re growing indoors, aim to use LED lights that mimic the light spectrum of the sun to get as close to this natural setting as possible.
  • Flushing: Stop feeding your plants two weeks before harvest, and instead give them regular "flushes" with pure, pH-balanced water. This will remove any excess nutrients and help the terpenes shine through.
  • Drying and curing: It’s tempting to rush things after harvest. Take your time with drying and curing to optimise flavour and avoid mould and mildew. Your patience will pay off massively in the form of tastier buds and a smoother smoke.

Fruity Classic Strains from RQS

The cultivars mentioned above are some of the tastiest in our catalogue, but there are plenty more fruity strains where they came from. Take Pineapple, for example. This variety boasts gorgeous colours and flavours of tropical fruit. Likewise, Somango XL delivers notes of mango alongside a THC content of 18%. Then there’s Haze Berry, a descendant of Blueberry that perfectly combines sweet and tart notes. Of course, we couldn’t write an article about fruity weed strains without mentioning the zesty flavours and energising high imparted by Lemon Shining Silver Haze. Finally, Fruit Spirit offers something more complex but equally fruity, with hits of blueberry, earthiness, fruit, and pepper.

External Resources:
  1. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Central effects of citral, myrcene and limonene, constituents of essential oil chemotypes from Lippia alba (Mill.) n.e. Brown - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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