Limonene: Citrus Flavor That is Real, Straight From the Peel

Looking for a terpene with a little zest? Learn about the flavor, aroma, and unique properties of d-Limonene!

Imagine biting into a juicy, succulent orange and grazing your teeth against the peel. Or drinking a cocktail garnished with a lemon rind. You know that loud citrus taste that is invigorating, sweet, and slightly bitter? Part of that comes from the mouth-puckering, eye-widening terpene isolate d-Limonene! 

Pronounced “lim-uh-neen,” this sweet and sour terpene is extracted from the oils found in fruit rinds like lemons, limes, grapefruits, and oranges, and it’s one of the most common terpenes in nature. It’s often used in cleaning products and cosmetics, and it’s commonly used as an additive in food. It’s also found in a variety of cannabis strains. 

Read on and learn more about the revitalizing, zesty terpene isolate d-Limonene.

Limonene in Cannabis

Limonene is one of the most prominent terpenes found in all of cannabis. While it’s commonly found in stimulating, smile-inducing sativas, it pops up all over the place. Creatives often use these mood-elevating, euphoric strains to help them write, paint, and stay focused throughout the day. You’ll taste freshly squeezed lemonade, the zest of a lime, and herbally earth!

It’s important to note, however, that d-Limonene is not the end-all-be-all of citrus flavors. In our Science of Exotic Cannabis⁴ research, we uncovered cannabis flavorants called tropicannasulfur compounds (TCSCs). When combined with prenylated cannasulfur compounds (PCSCs), they impart a citrus-forward aroma with underlying notes of funk, petroleum, and/or sulfur. Plus, even when they’re in the most minuscule amounts, these compounds will have a BIG impact. Think loud aromas that can’t be ignored.

So, are TCSCs responsible for citrusy cannabis aromas? Or is it d-Limonene? Realistically, d-Limonene has likely been overemphasized, but it still plays an important role. So, without further ado, here are a few of our favorite cannabis cultivars dominant in d-Limonene.

Orange Apricot

With a name like this, it’s GOT to be citrusy! Right? Oh, you have no idea. Orange Apricot is an exhilarating medley of Tangie-forward citrus with deafeningly loud notes of sweet gas thanks to a beautiful combination of d-Limonene and TCSCs.

SFV OG

If you’re unfamiliar with this strain, the name might not scream citrus. However, this Limonene-dominant cultivar, also known as San Fernando Valley OG, is everything you love about OG strains with a little something extra. It has a unique aromatic bouquet that’s tart, piney, and mildly earthy, with a pungent citric finish. 

Durban Poison

Sure, the name sounds ominous, but this cultivar will put a serious pep in your step with elements of sweet wood, citrus, and spice. Durban Poison is one of the most potent sativa strains available, and it’s also considered one of the best-tasting, perfectly balanced buds. 

Orange Soda

This award-winning strain has a mysterious lineage, but its aroma is reminiscent of its namesake. We’re talking crisp orange soda straight from the fountain, poured over crushed ice, with bubbles that tickle your nose. It has all that plus a note here and there of pine and earth. This is thanks, in part, to dominant terpenes beta-Myrcene, beta-Caryophyllene, and d-Limonene.

Abstrax Tech | Celebrate Citrus Aromas and Flavors!

At Abstrax Tech, we conduct industry-leading, peer-reviewed research to push the industry forward with better education and collaboration. We are passionate about the cannabis industry and the broad applications of aromatic compounds, and we’ll continue promoting excellence in research and innovation. 

Do you have questions about incorporating terpenes and flavorants into your formulations? Want expert assistance developing the right aroma and flavor for your products? We’re here to help.

Contact us, and let’s get started today!

1. Oswald, I., Paryani, T., Sosa, M., Ojeda, M., Altenbernd, M., Grandy, J., Shafer, N., Ngo, K., Peat, J., Melshenker, B. G., Skelly, I., Koby, K., Page, M., & Martin, T. (2023, October 12). Minor, Nonterpenoid Volatile Compounds Drive the Aroma Differences of Exotic Cannabis. ACS Publications. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.3c04496 

Limonene Dominant Terpene Profiles

SHOP Orange Apricot

Revel in the next evolution of botanical aromatics with bright petroleum-fueled Orange Apricot. Tropicannasulfurs create an exhilarating medley of Tangie-forward citrus with deafeningly loud notes of sweet gas. Welcome to the future.

SHOP SFV OG

Hailing from the San Fernando Valley, a local fan favorite, SFV OG has an innate herbal bouquet that's moderated with pine and citric tones but contains a refreshing updraft of earth.

SHOP Durban Poison

The name may sound ominous, but Durban Poison is the dank wake-n-bake option you’ve been waiting for. The sweet pine and citrus provides a jolt of cerebral stimulation that heightens the senses and sharpens focus.

SHOP Orange Soda

A cross between Tangie and Grandma's Sugar cookies, Orange Soda is earthy, citrusy, and sweet. This strain is one of those pairings that go along with an active, but not overactive day. Think grilling, not grueling.

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.