Lecithin is an important staple ingredient for any cannabis kitchen. It may be new to you, but it’s highly helpful in making edibles. Whether your making cannabutter or cannaoil, we recommend using lecithin for your infusions.
What is lecithin?
You may never have heard of lecithin before. However, it’s widely used in commercially available food to increase shell life.
Why is lecithin recommended for making cannabutter or cannaoil?
Consistent Dosing
Lecithin solves one problem of edibles, consistent dosing. Yes, you must first thoroughly mix your infused product into your dish. But then lecithin takes it to the next level by dispersing the fat content evenly.
Lecithin helps disperse the fat evenly in your infusion and make a uniform dosage of THC throughout your baked goods. If you eat the same amount today and tomorrow, you will get the same effect each day.
Helps THC Absorption
Lecithin in edibles makes the THC absorption stronger and lasts longer. As a phospholipid, helps your cells absorb the THC better and increases the bioavailability in your body.
Your edibles will feel more potent. You will receive more medicinal benefits from the cannabinoids without increasing the amount of cannabis you use.
Emulsifier
Lecithin acts as the “glue” to keep ingredients together. It binds water and oil together that normally repel each other.
Over time, water and oil naturally separate leaving a layer of water and a layer of oil. You may have seen this in gummy making. Lecithin stops this from happening and your baked goods.
Lecithin extends the shelf life so your creations don’t separate and crumble. You will have a consistent, well-formed quality edible.
Sunflower or Soy Lecithin
The two most common forms are sunflower and soy lecithin. Soy might be common, but it is not recommended due to being lower quality and highly processed.
Many people prefer sunflower as the healthier option. It offers less chance for allergic reactions than soy. Also, sunflower is extracted without solvents. It is cold pressed similar to olive oil and chemical free.
Soy lecithin is extracted from soybeans using solvents meaning you are being exposed to chemicals. Soy can be inflammatory in the body.
People also tend to prefer powder vs liquid form. Powder is always easier to clean up. The liquid tends to be sticky.
How Much Lecithin to Use
A good rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon of lecithin for every one cup of liquid, i.e. butter, coconut oil, etc. Be sure to dissolve the lecithin into the liquid ingredients and then continue to follow the recipe as instructed.
Lecithin, even if you haven’t heard of it before, is a widely used, natural, safe ingredient that increases stability and gives a better final product. Make sure to keep your pantry stocked with Lecithin.
Now let’s get baking.
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