6 Foods You Never Knew Contained Terpenes

Terpenes may be famous for their cannabis connection, but they’re also found in many foods you eat every day! Discover common foods that contain terpenes.

Terpenes aren’t just something you buy as an extract or enjoy infused into your favorite products. These naturally occurring compounds are present in plants all over the world, including several foods we eat on a regular basis. 

At least one variety of terpene is found in each of the following foods, spices, and even one of our favorite beverages. So, get ready to add these items to your grocery list because you’ll want to stock up. Read on and discover six common foods that contain terpenes.

Mangoes are Rich in Myrcene

It didn’t feel right not to start with Mangoes. For years, cannabis users have been claiming that eating mangoes while ingesting cannabis increases their high. The jury is still out, but it’s thought that the high content of Myrcene in mangoes is what gives them this ability. The idea is that Myrcene affects the blood-brain barrier, which makes it easier for cannabinoids to reach the brain. 

The science hasn’t quite proved this, but it’s still cool to consider. Plus, who doesn’t love a ripe, juicy mango when they’re responsibly consuming cannabis?

However, if you’re not interested in cannabis then fear not! You can still just eat a mango and experience the unique aroma of this terpene isolate. It’s earthy and woody with distinct notes of cardamom, fruit, and musk.

Apples are High in Terpinolene and Alpha-Farnesene

One of the coolest things about apples is the huge variety of them! You can have apples that are sour, like Granny Smith Apples, or ones that are sweeter, like Honeycrisps. But with all those different flavors and sensations you also get different terpene profiles.

Plus, because of the way we’ve cultivated apples, newer varieties don’t have as many terpenes as their heirloom counterparts. CannaCon says, “The Royal Gala had 5-15 times less terpene content than heritage varieties such as King David, Belle Bonne or Adam’s Permain. Additionally the Royal Gala had a much less diverse profile, with a narrow variety of terpenes.”

The majority of apple terpene profiles, however, do include Terpinolene and Alpha-Farnesene. Some varieties also include Limonene, but not all. 

Citrus Fruits Have LOTS of Limonene

Speaking of Limonene, almost all citrus fruits have large amounts of this terpene isolate in them — the name should have been a big hint! Think lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, mandarins, and more.

Outside of the bright citrus aroma and flavor that’s sometimes tart and usually sweet, d-Limonene is famous for the way it helps people unwind and boost their mood. There’s a good reason why it’s the dominant terpene in our Peaceful AI Terp Effects blend.

Lots of Spices Contain beta-Caryophyllene

Since terpenes are all about scent and flavor, it makes sense that a lot of herbs and spices are abundant in terpenes. Specifically, you should be looking at your spice cabinet!

The terpene isolate beta-Caryophyllene is responsible for the spicy, peppery taste of black pepper and the woodsy smell of clove oil, copaifera oil, basil, hops, oregano, lavender, rosemary, and true cinnamon.

This spicy terpene also acts as a dietary cannabinoid because it binds to CB2 receptors to help provide enhanced effects. Want to experience some of these beta-caryophyllene effects? Throw an extra dash of freshly ground black pepper or rosemary into your next meal!

Broccoli Has High Levels of beta-Caryophyllene

We’ve got another big shoutout for beta-Caryophyllene!

If you’re one of those people who pushes broccoli around your plate without actually eating it...knock it off! Broccoli is full of Vitamin K and C, folic acid, potassium, fiber, and, it turns out, beta-Caryophyllene.

Just like the previous list of spices, broccoli is a great addition to your terpene-heavy food list. Plus, if you’re looking for a heavy dose of beta-caryophyllene consider creating some sort of broccoli casserole seasoned with rosemary, oregano, and black pepper.  

It’s a beta-caryophyllene match made in terpene heaven. Yup, that’s a thing now. 

Head to Your Nearest Brewery for a Heavy Hit of alpha-Caryophyllene

Before you even ask, the answer is yes. Beer contains terpenes. Specifically, the hops in your beer have a massive amount of those delicious aromatic compounds.

Mother nature went and decided that hops would be used to create the perfect after-work beverage. Because the hops plant produces an essential oil, it produces terpenes as well. Generally, hoppier beers contain higher amounts of terpenes, and this tends to work out — but there is a catch.

In particular, three specific terpenes are most commonly found in the essential oil of hops: myrcene, alpha-Caryophyllene, and caryophyllene. Since the natural oils in hops aren’t water-soluble, you won’t find them in high quantities within bottled or canned beer. The exception to this is if terpenes are added during a dry hopping process, as is the case with a number of hoppy IPAs on the market. 

If brewers opt to use water-soluble hop extracts, however, they can infuse their brews with even more of the terpene-powered flavors and aromas of hops. 

Head to Abstrax Hops for Optimized Hop Extracts that give you varietal-specific flavors and aromas, plus fruit-forward and dank terpene brewing solutions that will help you make the most delicious beverage formulations.

Enjoy Terpenes in Foods, Cannabis, and MORE

Everyday, whether we’re aware of it or not, we use food and beverage to define and highlight portions of our daily routine. That vibrant breakfast smoothie is geared towards amping us up for the adventures ahead. The reprieve of a lunch hour breaks up the day, sustains our momentum, and keeps us going strong. The heady aroma of herbs and spices that permeate a home cooked meal brings us back to our roots. 

Terpenes are there, in abundance, quietly coloring our experiences and lending a helping, delicious hand. Anyone else hungry?

Terpene Isolates in Common Foods

SHOP beta-Myrcene

beta-Myrcene is a prevalent terpene in hops, mango, bay leaves, lemongrass, and eucalyptus. The flavor is a strong sweetness with minty balsam and a vegetal leafy feel. 

SHOP Farnesene

This terpene strongly exhibits the smell of green apples with floral, woody notes, but it corrodes quickly, as it exists only on the outermost layers of produce. This terpene is used in cosmetics, personal care products, flavoring for food, and fragrances.

SHOP d-Limonene

As its name suggests, d-Limonene has a loud citrus flavor and smell. It is found in oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits, and many other citrus fruits.  

SHOP beta-Caryophyllene

A prominent terpene produced in trichomes, beta-Caryophyllene is also found in large quantities in traditional medicinal plants like black pepper, black caraway, cloves, basil, oregano, cinnamon, and many others. This is a uniquely spicy terpene. beta-Caryophyllene is a core ingredient of many contemporary spices, fragrances, soaps, and lotions. 

 

SHOP alpha-Caryophyllene

Also known as Humulene, this terpene isolate literally gets its name from hop plant formal name: homulus lulupus. As such, it makes sense that this terpene would be a primary constituent of the iconic smell of beer. Also commonly known as alpha-Caryohpyllene. Humulene has a potent earthy flavor with a bitter woody overtone. 

SHOP Terpinolene

This abundant terpene occurs in the tea tree, lilac, cumin, nutmeg, and apples. Terpinolene has woody overtones with a hint of citric sweetness. Usually the most prominent terpene in Hazes.

SHOP Peaceful

Positive mood enhancement. Peaceful is formulated to promote feelings of total relaxation without sedation. Kick back, tune out, and unwind.