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[1] 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 flavored 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[2]. 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[3] 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.
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.
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[4], 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.
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-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.
Shining Silver Haze
We created this electrifying sativa variety by crossing three of the most legendary cannabis strains on the planet: Haze, Skunk, and Northern Light. The offspring emerged with 75% sativa genetics and an outrageously sweet terpene profile. Although her flavours come through no matter what, vaporization allows users to really get a taste of her sugary terpenes. Smoke these buds in the morning for a motivating start to the day, or before trail running, surfing, or hiking in the mountains.
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.
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 fall asleep.
Wedding Gelato
When asked to think of the tastiest cannabis strains, many smokers bring up Gelato. We took the moreish taste of this fruity Cali legend and crossed it with Gelato 33 and Wedding Cake. This ambitious breeding project produced a stunning strain that boasts dense flowers and vibrant colours of deep purple and orange. These flowers blast the taste buds with notes of fruit, cream, and pine—and blast the brain with a THC level of 25%!
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.
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.
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.
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.
