According to the internet, people are eating cannabis fan leaves raw from the garden!
I've met lots of folks who juice fan leaves. One of the first farms I worked at would juice the young leaves in the early half of the season. Juicing requires an abundance of leaves and ultimately produces a very small amount of concentrated liquid, but it is widely considered a nutrient-rich elixir. Fan leaves do not contain cannabinoids, so it does not have the same effects as consuming the buds, or flowers. Eating the leaves straight off the plant though? I feel like “Cannabis Industry” will actually try to sell anything, so I reached out to some Herbalist and Nutritionist colleagues for their professional opinions.
Cannabis plants are rich in phytonutrients, specifically flavonoids, and carotenoids. Flavonoids are found in foods like broccoli and kale. Carotenoids are found in kale as well as carrots, and mangos. Both are high in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting, and widely considered excellent for disease prevention. Cannabis plants are also high in vitamins and minerals. From a Nutritionist perspective, when organically cultivated, Cannabis has excellent value as a food medicine.
Unfortunately, fan leaves are extremely fibrous making them very tough to chew and digest. Mature leaves have a strong unpleasant flavour and develop trichomes which can cause irritation in the mouth and throat. This is probably why most people juice the leaves and blend them in a smoothie. The early fan leaves of younger plants are much less fibrous, easier to chew and digest. Young leaves can be chopped and mixed raw in a salad, but it is an acquired taste.
According to a fellow herbalist, the best way to enjoy this nutrient-rich plant is by making a *PESTO!* She recommends using only the early young leaves, before they become too fibrous, either raw or blanched. Just follow your favourite pesto recipe using fan leaves as the main ingredient! Or go half and half with fresh Basil. Fan Leaf Pesto can be made in one large batch and frozen to enjoy all year. Herbal Finishing Salts are also a great way to enjoy (and preserve) flavourful seasonal greens. Cannabis Finishing Salts are packed with nutrients and add a punch of earthy flavour. Using equal parts fresh plant matter and salt. Blend it all together in a food processor, then lay out on parchment paper for 2-3 days, or put it in a dehydrator on low. Once the salt has dried, break up any chunks, and store in a clean dry jar.
So, Yes. I'm definitely eating the leaves! And if you’re growing some organic plants this year, you should too!
CANNA PESTO RECIPE
1-3 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup of nuts(I use almonds and cashews)
1 cup fresh Basil
1 cup fresh young cannabis leaves BLANCHED
*Blanch by adding 1cup fresh leaves in SALTED Boiling water for 30 seconds
Strain and immediately add to bowl of ICE water for 1min
1/2 cup Olive Oil
*if you want to GET WEIRD use infused Olive oil ;) *
Blend all of the ingredients in a food processor.
PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK!!
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