Sludge.
It may not sound appealing, but don’t dismiss this often overlooked resource.
Sludge is the pulp of leftover cannabis flower after Infusing a solvent. Too often thrown out, the clever cannabis cook knows this is a valuable source of fibre and THC, perfect as an addition to your cooking repertoire.
Solvent – the liquid in which a solute is dissolved to form a solution. Fats and fatty food, such as butter, oil, MCT and coconut oils, are solvents used to dissolve cannabis terpenes (the solutes), allowing food to become psychoactive and give you a lifted experience. See? There really is a use for high school chemistry.
Biggest reasons to use sludge? It contains all kinds of nutrients, but I’d say fibre content and residual cannabinoids are the two main benefits. And you’regetting more value for your cannabis dollar. Adding the sludge directly to your recipe is the easiest thing to do. Or you can extract the remaining solvent from the pulp. There are basically two ways to do this:
- Press it. Using a French Coffee press or a ricer, maybe even a hydraulic press used for making rosin.
- Simmer in water. The oil will separate allowing you to extract the remaining terpene-rich solvent. This is the technique used in the classical cannabutter method of a crock pot, water, and butter.
As an ingredient, cannabis is often described as having a gassy or petrol-esque pungency. It pairs well with big flavours, particularly the bitterness of coffee and chocolate and the citrus flavours of fresh fruits like berries, anything citrus, and mangoes.
On its own, I’d compare it to Marmite or Vegemite in that it is an acquired taste – you can eat it in its own, or use it as an ingredient. (Personally, a nice dollop in a hot cocoa is a welcome addition to a lazy Sunday morning.) Just remember, cannabis is a prodigious bioaccumulator – it sucks-up damn nearly everything in the growth medium, whether that’s heavy metals in the soil of an outdoor grow, or that hydroponic kush didn’t get a final flush before harvest. You will taste that, plus the chlorophyl, which could overpower the terpenes.
In the accompanying recipe, I’ve paired an infused olive oil with pesto sauce. The bitterness of the cannabis is balanced with the sharpness of the parmesam cheese, the sweetness of the garlic and the freshness of the basil.
As with any infused recipe, start low and go slow. Consume safely in accordance with your own tolerance and local laws.
Basil Pesto with Cannabis-Infused Olive Oil
This simple basil pesto recipe uses cannabis pulp, making it a versatile addition to your meals. Use it as a pasta sauce, spread, or topping for vegetables.
Please ensure your cannabis is properly decarboxylated prior to cooking – lightly grind flower, spread evenly on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, cover with foil, and bake for 30-40 minutes at 240 F (115 C).
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480 ml) fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
- ½ cup (120 ml) cannabis-infused pulp
- ½ cup (60 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup (50 g) pine nuts or walnuts
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the basil leaves thoroughly and pat them dry.
- Blend the base: In a food processor or blender, combine the basil, nuts, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- Incorporate the pulp: Slowly add in the cannabis-infused pulp a tablespoon at a time while the processor is running, blending until smooth.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend again until fully combined.
- Taste and adjust: Sample your pesto and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Storage: Transfer the pesto to an airtight container. (I like to use glass.) Store in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze (ice cube trays work nicely) for longer shelf life.
Notes:
- Adjust the amount of cannabis-infused oil to your desired potency, replacing a portion with regular olive oil if needed.
- If freezing, pour a thin layer of regular olive oil over the top to prevent discolouration.
Enjoy responsibly. Keep cannabis-infused products out of reach of children and pets. Start low and go slow. Respect the cannabis laws of your jurisdiction.
Cooking With Cannabis 