Tasty Terpenes: Most Delicious Cannabis Strains You Must Try

You know how annoying coffee lovers can get sometimes when they go on and on about their favorite brew? They taste something in their coffee that we don’t. The same goes with old-school whisky lovers who only prefer to drink it neat or craft beer enthusiasts who’d travel for hours just to have their favorite pint. 

Our cannabis community is not so different. While many of us only consume cannabis for the high, others fall in love with the taste and chase it with a passion. And, why not? After all, cannabis is one of the few plants blessed with a complex terpenoid profile, which gives it a rich flavor and aroma. But just how good is cannabis when it comes to flavor?

Think about your favorite fruit, spice, or perfume — the most common ones would be citrus, woody, peppery, minty, and so on — the same flavors are found in cannabis buds too. And if you’ve never experienced the most delicious cannabis strains, you are missing out on a lot. Cannabis is not just about the high, it can be an experience for your taste buds and nose, too! 

What Gives Cannabis Buds Their Flavor and Aroma?

Cannabis strains often possess rich flavor and aroma profiles, which are a result of hundreds of active compounds. You may already know some of them, like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD) — the latter lacks taste, though. 

Apart from cannabinoids, there are flavonoids — not a lot is known about this cannabis compound, but it does play a role in cannabis flavor and aroma. But the biggest contributing compound is terpenes. These compounds are the primary driving force behind the flavor and aroma of cannabis buds. 

In fact, terpenes are not only found in cannabis; they are found in most plants. Whether you consider a tangerine or a rose, both the fruit and the flower get their aroma and flavor from terpenes. Many plants even share terpenes, which is why cannabis aroma is often related to other fruits or flowers. Strawberry Cough, anyone?

Cannabis contains very high concentrations of these terpenes in little mushroom-shaped trichomes which give them a complex flavor profile. Each cannabis strain contains a unique ratio of various terpenes, which give it its unique flavor and aroma. And, it doesn’t matter whether you’re using an indica or a sativa — they all taste good if the terpene profile is awesome. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common terpenes found in cannabis plants and how they affect the flavor profile of cannabis buds:

• Myrcene: skunky odor
• Alpha-pinene: piney or woody aroma 
• Humulene: spicy and herbal flavor and aroma 
• Borneol: mint or metallic taste and smell 
• Limonene: citrusy flavor and aroma (it’s also found in lemons)
• Linalool; flowery and citrusy flavor and aroma
• Beta-caryophyllene: spicy black-pepper-flavor 
• Eucalyptol: menthol or minty flavor and scent 
• Sabinene: woody and spicy flavor that’s close to pepper

Recent studies suggest that terpenes can also have a hand in the entourage effect, and some experts suggest that terpenes may also produce various medicinal benefits for the users. However, more research is required to come to a conclusive result. 

Similarly, it’s hard to comment on the effect of flavonoids on cannabis aroma and flavor. Not a lot is known about these compounds and they are not present in the same concentration as terpenes. 

Apart from terpenes and cannabinoids, here are a few factors that can influence the taste of cannabis:

• Environmental conditions: The taste of cannabis is greatly influenced by the growing conditions. Factors such, as soil composition, climate, and cultivation methods all play a role. For example, buds grown in rich soil with nutrients tend to have a robust and complex flavor compared to plants grown in less favorable conditions. Interestingly, plants grown outdoors have a slightly different taste due to exposure to elements while indoor-grown cannabis offers more controlled and consistent flavors.
• Harvesting and curing: The timing and technique used for harvesting and curing cannabis can have an impact on its taste as well. This is why experienced growers tell you to dry and cure the buds properly so they preserve the terpenes and cannabinoids while enhancing the flavor. Cannabis that has been improperly dried or cured may not taste as good as weed that’s been cured for a long time.
• Genetics: Each strain possesses a makeup that’s unique and largely determines its inherent potential, including the flavor. Breeders carefully choose strains with specific traits to create offspring that excel at everything, and the taste is no exception. Since they work with many strains, they end up with different flavors. 

Best Tasting Cannabis Strains

Now that you know a little about the factors that influence the flavor of cannabis, let’s get to the most flavorful cannabis strains you should absolutely try!

1. Sour Diesel

This is a legendary strain known for many things, including its flavor profile, and it would be a sin not to include this in our list of the most delicious cannabis strains. Sour Diesel is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain that is preferred by users looking for a motivating high or having a day of productivity ahead. 

Thanks to its 90% sativa genetics, Sour Diesel is also known to give you a punch of energized happiness while stimulating ideas. The remaining 10% indica strain adds a touch of calmness to your thoughts so you can think clearly. But this is a potent strain with up to 26% THC content, and consuming too much of it can cause paranoia or attention difficulties. 

Once you open your jar of Sour Diesel buds, expect an aroma of citrus and kerosene with a sour or skunky undernote. Upon smoking it, your mouth will be filled with a citrusy, earthy flavor with a touch of herbal undernote, thanks to its limonene and myrcene profiles. It’s truly a delicious, complex cannabis strain that must be experienced at least once. 

Growing Sour Diesel 

For growers, Sour Diesel isn’t the most approachable of strains as it is a bit challenging to grow; it’s only suited for intermediate to experienced growers. But once you get around to growing it, you can expect a yield of up to 500 grams per plant, depending on the cultivation method. 

When growing this tasty cannabis strain, one of the challenges you may face is airy buds, so keep a close watch on the nutrient ratios and do not over/under-feet this strain. And it will grow tall — up to 10 feet in the right conditions — so train the plant and ensure there’s enough light penetration in the canopy. 

One more tip: During the flowering stage, ensure the temperatures stay under 78°F or 26°C to preserve the terpenoid profile of the buds. The ideal relative humidity should be below 60% for good results.

2. Durban Poison

Durban Poison sounds like an intimidating cannabis strain, but it’s actually quite friendly despite the name. This is a pure sativa landrace from Durban, South Africa, but it can adapt well to various growing conditions. And with a THC content of up to 25%, it’s a potent strain. 

However, despite the potency, it produces a clear high with a surprisingly short onset time. Beware that it can sometimes amplify sights and sounds. In the right state of mind, you will achieve a buzzy head high that’s cerebral with no couch lock, making it a terrific strain for creativity. Many users report they can hear music better after consuming Durban Poison. 

Apart from acting like an espresso shot, Durban Poison will also make you chatty, so it’s great to consume in a social setting, too. It offers various medicinal benefits, albeit on the mental side, not physical. Apparently, it’s a popular strain for consumers dealing with depression, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, etc. 

As for the flavor, Durban Poison produces dense flowers coated in white trichomes, which give them a sheen. The first thing you’ll notice is the skunky aroma of the buds with hints of sweet licorice. Break down the buds and smoke them, and you’ll be greeted with a dense smoke with a sweet taste that’s a mix of licorice and pine. 

Growing Durban Poison

Durban Poison has a long history, so it is time-tested and excellent for many growth conditions. Even beginners can easily grow this strain without a lot of headaches. This strain can reach a height of over 10 feet, but you have to be meticulous about the climate — it prefers warm, slightly humid environments. 

If you’re growing, it is recommended that you maintain the temperature between 72°F to 80°F (22°C to 26°C). To prevent the plant from stretching too much, you should consider training it. Usually, pruning or LST works best for Durban Poison. Play your cards right, and the flowers will reach maturity within eight weeks, rewarding you with a plentiful yield. 

3. Fruit Spirit

Fruit Spirit is one of the most flavorful cannabis strains that was developed with the sole purpose of satiating the taste buds, not producing the strongest highs or curing ailments. It’s no surprise that this strain is one of the tastiest cannabis strains out there. 

This strain is a hybrid strain that leans slightly toward the sativa side, and it’s a child of White Widow and Blueberry, two popular cannabis strains. Due to this, Fruit Spirit is known to produce a high that relaxes the body but energizes the brain. And it contains up to 20% THC and low CBD content. 

As the name suggests, Fruit Spirit tastes like… you guessed it, fruits. This sweet strain has a flavor profile lush with spice, mint, cedar wood, and earthy flavors with a hint of blueberry. When smoked, it produces an excellent aroma with hints of spice, diesel, and cedar wood. 

Growing Fruit Spirit 

Fruit Spirit is a medium-difficulty strain best suited for intermediate growers or beginners looking for a challenge. This strain grows best in mild climates, where it produces a lush canopy with bright and bushy buds. Although it can grow up to four feet indoors, it’s best to grow this strain outdoors, where it can grow up to 8 feet. This photoperiod strains flowers for 7 to 8 weeks, by the end of which it can produce a respectable yield of up to 450 to 500 grams per plant. 

4. Strawberry Cough 

Strawberry Cough is another legendary strain that was developed by Kyle Kushman, and it has gone on to win various awards, including the Best Flower in the 2013 Cannabis Cup. This strain is 80% sativa and 20% indica, created by breeding Strawberry Fields and an unknown variety of Haze. 

Thanks to its THC content of 20% to 25%, this cannabis strain is potent and regarded for its uplifting high. Strawberry Cough tends to induce a cerebral high that will energize you. It is also a popular strain for those looking for relief from anxiety, depression, or stress. 

But even better than the high is this strain’s flavor profile. It’s sweet and very similar to freshly plucked strawberries. That’s how it got its name — take a puff, cough, and you’ll taste strawberries. The flavor is so iconic that it was even a topic of discussion in the movie Children of Men!

Growing Strawberry Cough

As a sativa strain, Strawberry Cough is a tall plant, but it’s only suited for tropical climates. For other types of climates, you could grow this strain in a greenhouse or indoors for better results. 

The only problem is its height in an indoor environment; it can grow up to seven feet, so training it may help manage the height. The best training methods for Strawberry Cough are topping and pruning, but it’s relatively adept to other training methods, too. 

As for the environment, this strain grows best with a relative humidity of around 50% during its growth stage and 30% during bloom. The ideal temperatures are 72°F to 85°F (22°C to 29°C) during the day and 60°F to 70°F (16°C to 21°C) during the night.

Strawberry Cough is also an excellent choice for new growers as it is forgiving, easy to grow, and quite resistant to pests and diseases. With basic training and care, even a new grower can expect an excellent yield. 

5. Tangie 

Tangie is a sativa-dominant hybrid that was developed by DNA Genetics Lab, and this awesome strain is a cross between Skunk #1 and California Orange. Given the name, it would be easy to guess that it’s named after its citrusy aroma and flavor profiles. 

The Tangie strain is rich in terpenes like myrcene, pinene, limonene, caryophyllene, and linalool, which give this strain a very fresh flavor and aroma. The buds smell of fresh tangerine and citrus, and once you burn them in a joint, your mouth will be flooded with sweet tropical flavors of the same fruits. It’s a refreshing strain that is enjoyable for many users. 

Apart from the many terpenes, Tangie also contains a decent amount of THC — at 20% — and low CBD content. The mix of terpenes and THC gives you a delightful yet euphoric high that is still relaxing. And this strain is known for getting people too high, sometimes, since the entourage effect is excellent. It’s also quite useful for dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress. 

Tangie is not the most popular strain out there, but it is an excellent one, and those who know about this strain swear by it. In fact, it is DNA Genetics Lab’s most popular strain and has won various awards like the Cannabis Cup. It is believed that Tangie was developed as a tribute to Tangerine Dream, and it does live up to it!

Growing Tangie 

As sweet tasting as Tangie is, growing it is not a sweet process; the strain is temperamental, and you’ll need to compensate for it with extra care and attention. Hence, this strain is suitable for experienced growers only. And since it’s a sativa-dominant strain, expect it to grow up to 6 feet tall. 

The best growing medium for this plant is outdoor soil, and this strain thrives in dry and warm climates. Plus, its branches are usually delicate and prone to mold if exposed to wet climates or high humidity. 

But once you take good care of it, Tangie rewards you with lush, vibrant buds covered with orange pistils. The strain certainly smells good, but tastes even better! It takes up to 10 weeks to flower, and you can expect around 500 grams of harvest per plant (slightly lower in an indoor plant). 

6. Bubba Kush

Bubba Kush needs no introduction, but we’ll do the honors anyway. This legendary strain is an indica-dominant strain that is claimed to be a cross between OG Kush and an unknown Northern Lights phenotype, which was called Bubba. Hence the name Bubba Kush, and like its parent OG Kush, even this strain is known for its sedative, relaxing high. 

The strain contains up to 22% THC, and when you consume it, the high starts by distorting your sensations. Soon, the fogginess wears off, and the high spreads all over your body, relaxing you. But don’t worry, although Bubba Kush relaxes your body, it keeps your mind active, so you can still perform certain tasks and be alert. 

Bubba Kush also offers various benefits and is used by people dealing with anxiety, stress, chronic pain, depression, and even insomnia. Plus, expect to get munchies after consuming this strain — it will make you hungry. 

Coming to the aroma and flavor, this highly resinous strain is incredibly aromatic. The buds are thickly covered in resin, and they let off a coffee-like aroma with a hint of fruitiness. And when you burn it, Bubba Kush is spicy and harsh on the tone — just like the OG Kush — but it is pleasant with hints of grape and a peppery aftertaste. Remember, Bubba Kush is a delicious strain, but it’s not for everyone, so try it first before growing a garden full of it. 

Growing Bubba Kush 

Bubba Kush is an easy cannabis strain to cultivate; even first-time cannabis growers can find their way around this one. And since the plant is short and bushy, you can grow it indoors just as well as outdoors. In an outdoor environment, you get to enjoy the plant’s natural resistance to pests and mold, so that’s a plus. 

Wherever you grow, you will have to be meticulous about the temperature; keep it between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C). Expect the plant to flower for 9 weeks or till early October outdoors. Bubba Kush isn’t a high-yielding plant, but the buds are dense and high-quality — it’s worth a try for hobby growers. 

7. Red Headed Stranger

You must’ve already tried some cannabis strains inspired by Willie Nelson, and the Red Headed Stranger strain is one of them. This sativa-dominant strain was developed as a tribute to the country music legend, and although we don’t know who originally bred them, we do know that it is a cross between Willy’s Wonder and Haze. 

The cannabis strain is known for its buzzy head high, which soon transforms into body relaxation. It is a quick-acting strain that is fun to experience, and it begins with its signature forehead buzz — it is intense. Get used to the buzz, and you’ll find yourself thinking more clearly and coming up with new ideas unlike ever before. 

This is a terrific stain for boosting creativity as it does not make you so high that you forget who you are, but it boosts your thinking capacity and clears up your mind. It’s also great if you’re working on something analytical or just running your errands around the house. 

But why is it called Red-Headed Stranger? It’s the buds: they are small and pebbly but are dense and have curly orange and red hairs (pistils) popping out of them. The buds are covered in cloudy white trichomes that produce a strong citrusy flavor with a spicy and peppery undernote. When burnt, Red Headed Stranger produces a strong smoke that may make your eyes water, but it is spicy and complex in flavor — it’s brilliant. 

Growing Red Headed Stranger

It’s hard to find Red Headed Stranger seeds since no seed banks sell them as far as we know. So, if you want to grow this strain, you’ll need to source the seeds or clone cuttings from a trusted source, but it’s worth the effort. 

Once you get your hands on the strain, it’s a breeze to grow it indoors and outdoors as long as the climate is semi-humid or Mediterranean. Since this is not a popular strain for growers, finding the right information on growing it will be difficult, but from what is known, this strain grows stout and bushy, so LST and pruning are recommended. 

8. Red Strawberry Banana Auto

Say hello to Red Strawberry Banana Auto, a strain that’s revolutionizing the world of premium cannabis not just because of its super-fast growth cycle, but also because of its mesmerizing flavors. This hybrid autoflowering strain is highly regarded for its taste and fruity scent making it a popular choice among enthusiasts. An offspring of a crossing of the Strawberry Banana with Red Poison Auto, this is definitely something you should try if you love tasty buds.

There is a misconception that autoflowering strains lack the aromas and quality found in feminized strains. However, this is simply not true. Red Strawberry Banana Auto challenges this idea with its blend of terpenes giving it a delightful fruity scent. When you hit that first puff, you’ll be greeted with sweet strawberries blended with bananas. Then, you can taste berries and some citrus, creating a rich and long-lasting flavor experience that stays on your palate.

The Red Strawberry Banana Auto offers more than an amazing taste. People also appreciate its balanced effects. Many users report feelings of relaxation and happiness when consuming this strain, making it a potential choice for relieving stress and anxiety. Moreover, users report that it may also provide relief from discomfort and pain.

Growing Red Strawberry Banana Auto

And, it doesn’t end there with just the flavor and effects. Wait until you grow this strain as you’re in for a mega treat when it starts flowering. The plant undergoes a splendid transformation with shades of red and purple that enhance the visual appeal of the cultivation process. 

Another advantage is that for growers in regions where summers are short, the Red Strawberry Banana Auto strain is a game changer. Concerns about autumn weather disrupting cultivation are no longer a worry. Thanks to its autoflowering genetics this particular strain completes its life cycle in 60 days from germination to harvest. It provides amazing results with huge yields of high-quality buds that surpass expectations, making it a great strain for both beginners and veterans. 

9. Wedding Cheesecake FF

Next up is another amazing strain — the Wedding Cheesecake — a fast version strain carefully developed by the breeders. This exceptional hybrid is a product of combining (Wedding Cake x Cheese) with Wedding Cheesecake Auto genetics. The resulting cannabis variety caters to the needs of time-constrained growers.

Unlike other autoflowering varieties, Fast Version strains depend on the light cycle like photoperiods. However, they perform like autoflowers when it comes to speed as their flowering period lasts only for 8-9 weeks. Of course, most autoflowers complete their entire lifecycle in 8-9 weeks, but considering the yields and faster harvesting times compared to photoperiods, Fast Flowering versions are here to stay. 

Now, coming to the taste, Wedding Cheesecake is exceptionally tasty with an extraordinary blend of earthy, creamy, fruit notes with vanilla flavors mixed in between. You also get a slight citrus taste that lingers long after you’re done smoking it. Many compare its taste to that of baked cake, which can surprise even experienced consumers.

Beyond all this, Wedding Cheesecake FF offers an unforgettable sensory experience. Don't let the beautiful plant fool you with its looks as it delivers an intense high that will captivate you with THC levels reaching around 25%. 

Growing Wedding Cheesecake FF

Since this strain has the ability to produce yields in a short time, it is particularly appealing if you reside in locations with short summers too. When growing Wedding Cheesecake FF outdoors in containers, you can expect a yield ranging from 450 to 800 grams per plant. This strain stands out for its productivity.

Wedding Cheesecake FF is extremely versatile, and you can adjust the growing schedule like you would with photoperiods. Expect a bountiful harvest by the middle to the end of September in the Northern Hemisphere, but make sure you harvest right on time to enjoy the results of your hard work.

10. Zkittlez

Zkittlez is so famous that there’s almost a cult-like following. Also known as Skittlz or Skittles, the name gives an inkling about the plant’s character. Yes, it tastes like candies covered in fruit jam with an addition of subtle citrus, giving it a tangy and fruity taste, almost like a tarty cake. Of course, it smells sour too, due to its lineage. 

As an indica-dominant cultivar, Zkittlez has managed to hold on to its wildly popular status for quite a while, and the fact that it's the offspring of strains like Grapefruit, Grape Ape, and another mysterious strain helps as well. Almost every strain named after fruits tastes good, huh?

Zkittlez is popular for its incredible appearance. Do you want a flower bouquet in your cannabis garden? Yep, you got it. Thanks to a high amount of anthocyanins that are responsible for bright colors in plants, the buds look amazing with their purple hues. The white trichomes covering the buds add an extra special effect. And, these trichomes play a vital role in how the buds deliver their effects as well. 

Now that you know how the strain looks and tastes, let’s get to its effects. If you’re looking for a strain that’s going to knock you out senseless, look elsewhere because Zkittlez doesn’t hit you too hard. Instead, it helps you relax and makes you happy. Rather than making you go crazy with extremely high THC levels, Zkittlez has about 12-18% THC that can sometimes go above 22% in some phenotypes. Thus, you can use it to uplift your mood and have a good evening. It’s even better if you’re chilling out with some friends. You could also use it on days when you’re very stressed, as it contains terpenes that make you feel good. 

Growing Zkittlez

Now, remember, a lot depends on how you grow the strain as well. The seeds you purchase could be top-class genetics, but you won’t get results if you grow them in unfavorable conditions. Zkittlez is easy to grow as long as you have some experience growing cannabis. It adjusts pretty well both outdoors and indoors, but make sure you choose the right time to plant it outdoors. 

Zkilltez does well in most climates but takes it to the next level in hot climates. However, if you’re more interested in letting the plant develop a lot of purple shades, you should subject it to cooler temperatures in the vegetative stage or just before you switch to flowering. 

Thanks to all these attributes, Zkittlez has bagged quite a few awards, but you’d be the real winner once you understand that you have a gem in your hands!

Summary: Tasty Terpenes: Most Delicious Cannabis Strains You Must Try

Cannabis strains can be really delicious, and some of them are so good we wouldn’t mind if they didn’t make us high or give any health benefits — some cannabis strains are worth smoking just for their flavor. And the above-mentioned cannabis strains belong to that category of the most delicious cannabis strains. 

Each cannabis strain contains a unique ratio of terpenes and flavonoids, which give it its unique taste and aroma. Use this article as a stepping stone and figure out which cannabis flavors you enjoy most and the terpene associated with that flavor. Then, experience different cannabis strains that contain the same terpene. 

Now that you know what to plant, take care of it and you’ll be rewarded. Most importantly, remember to cure the buds well. Most cannabis growers cure the buds for at least 6 weeks, but there’s no harm in going longer. Let it cure for a couple of months and you’ll experience the magic. After all, a strain tastes good only when you dry and cure it well. If not, you’ll taste a harsh smoke that feels like you’re smoking grass rather than the berries and citrus taste you’re expecting. 

You’re this close to experiencing cannabis like never before. So, let your tongue and nose guide you into finding your next favorite cannabis strain. And if the circumstances allow it, do grow the strain and enjoy a hefty yield.