Cannabis seeds with a flavor twist

Smoking cannabis is above all, a multi-sensory act. There is a certain ritual that precedes every smoking session that gives a sense of mysticism to it: from the trimming of the bud (touch) and the art of rolling the perfect joint (vision) to hearing the cracking of the weed, smoking marijuana has a much deeper connection to our senses that we could even imagine.

Of course taste could not be left out of the equation; bad tasting weed is reason enough to ruin any great moment with friends or even induce bad side effects to people that are not careful. Even if the quality of the smoke is alright, there are indeed many people who are growing tired of the earthly, less-than-impressive taste of the most common cannabis strains. After all, getting high in the right way is somewhat of a mantra for cannabis aficionados.

Luckily for tokers with more sensitive taste buds, there has been extensive back crossing and research on creating the best tasting buds. In this article, we are going to present our very own Top-10 (under alphabetical order) and take an in-depth look at the chemistry behind the creation of some of our most beloved fruit tasting strains. So, if olfactory appeal is high on your list of priorities (along potency and yield) and you actually do care whether your plants smell like a mix of tumbleweed and used motor oil, you are going to love this article!

Top 10 Fruity Cannabis Strains

My what a smelly plant you have

When choosing a strain to grow (indoors or outdoors), there is definitely a lot of chemistry involved. However, most people tend to focus on the basics; namely THC and CBD count. Granted, these cannabinoids are what makes a potent strain potent, but in this particular article, the keyword is “terpenes”. These aromatic organic hydrocarbons are responsible for the taste and smell of your favorite sweet smelling cannabis. They go by a lot of names too; you can also encounter them as “terps” or “terpenoids” (if they get disrupted by oxidization). Put simply, they are the primary essence of any flower resin, your cannabis not excluded. The oil of cannabis buds is infused with those chemicals, that can basically manipulate your nose in a surprising variety of ways.

Some of the most well-known terpenoids found in cannabis and the taste they are associated to are the following:

• Myrcene: (herbal, pungent)
• Terpinolene: (citrus, sweet)
• Caryophyllene: (woody, dry)
• Caryophyllene Oxide: (sweet; pungent)
• Pinene: (piney)
• Linalool: (flowery; woody)
• Limonene: (citrus; orange)
• Camphene:

You can find more in-depth information in this informative illustration, courtesy of Leafly and Green House:

Terpenes are not the only factor that determines the taste and the final profile of each plant. Growing and proper maintenance techniques are perhaps the most important aspects that determine the final terp count. Aroma aside, if you’re into some serious chemistry, lab testing is the only way of actually knowing the terpene potency of a strain.

Recent research suggests that the terpene count of a cannabis plant can actually play a beneficial role on the effects of the cannabis strain. Bear in mind, however, that in order to reap the full rewards of terpene potency, low temperatures are required. So, for maximum pleasure, it is probably best to invest in an adjustable vaporizer.

The Olfactory Factory

So far we have uncovered a rather complex system of chemical compounds that synthesize your favorite strains irresistible aroma. Terpenes are an often overlooked, all-too-important factor of cannabis potency. Mind you, this does not only apply to the fruity varieties but also to the “skunkier” cannabis strains as well. Whatever the smell, it’s always terpenes manipulating your olfactory receivers.

It should not come as a surprise to find out that terpenes are produced in the same glands that synthesize our known and loved cannabinoids, THC and CBD. From an evolutionary standpoint, these compounds were developed to lure pollinators (i.e. bees) and as we have seen, they are extremely sensitive to their environment (soil, time of day, weather etc.). They are present everywhere but when we narrow our sample size to cannabis plants only, we will find out that there are hundreds of different terpenes that have been identified, producing a virtually infinite number of possible combinations.

This amazing palette of cannabis flavors is impressive enough, but for people who are not at all into chemistry, the fascinating characteristic of terpenes is their ability to work in synergy with cannabinoids and increase the psychoactive effect of your favorite strain. Although our lust for higher THC counts has somewhat disrupted our appreciation for other cannabinoids, experienced growers claim that terpenes are responsible for the unique effects of every cannabis strain.

Growers are probably wondering if there is a surefire way of manipulating the terpene compound of their plants. Sadly, there is not such a method (as of yet). So, if you do not have 24/7 access to a laboratory, there is little you can do apart from taking good care of your plants. Terpenes are still a relatively new concept in the industry and research is still underway.

Fruity Terpenes

There are certainly lots of details about terpenes and their importance on the overall smoking experience, but that can be the basis of a completely different article on its own. In this article, we would like to focus on the fruitier side of the infographic that is featured above and concentrate on the sweetest tasting cannabis strains, with some of which you might already be familiar. It should be pretty obvious by now, but terpenes are not only associated with fruity cannabis strains. Instead, it is the terpene profile that determines the bouquet of each strain.

A brief google search about fruit-flavored cannabis might actually end up confusing you, rather than help you; truth is that there are hundreds of fruity tasting/smelling varieties out there. Whether you like pineapple, lemon, strawberry, tangerine or mango, there is surely something out there to make your mouth water. Not to mention the pleasant aroma that will flood your grow room!

What we have done is a careful research of the best tasting and most potent strains, as chosen by growers all over the world. An article covering every single strain would be impossible and the list is by no means exhaustive: if you have some strains that you believe are worth mentioning, share it with us in the comment section.

Awards

Many of the strains below have been awarded in the past. We are going to present their credentials in each section separately, to avoid confusion.

Best Fruity Strains (feminized, auto flowering etc.)

Blueberry

Originally developed by the famous breeder DJ Short, this strain comes all the way from the golden ‘70s era and is now tastier than ever! This mostly Indica variety has dedicated fans that highly suggest it for its fruity goodness.

It’s not all about looks anyway: Blueberry is quite potent too! Being a dominant Indica strain makes up for some high THC count. In plain words, prepare your couch and have a nice, tasty bodily high!

The yields vary significantly, depending on the breeder and the variety. In general, it ranges from 110 g/m2 to a 600 g/m2. However, its potency is, in most cases, quite strong and therefore you will not need a whole lot to feel it hit you like a ton of bricks. With most Blueberry varieties, it is very likely that your high will last for hours and frequently alternate between stony to euphoric.

• Strain: Indica 80% – Sativa 20%
• Auto Flower Seeds Available: Yes
• Feminized Seeds Available: Yes
• Yield: 500-700 g/m²
• Height Indoors: Medium
• Height Outdoors: Tall
• Flowering Period: 8-10 Weeks
• THC Level: 19%
• Grow Difficulty: Medium
• Awards: HTCC 2000 (1st), HTCC 2001 (3rd)

Cinderella 99

One might encounter Cinderella 99 going by many different names: Cindy 99, C99 or just plain Cindy. Whichever name she may bear however, the truth is that she was bred by Mr.Soul of Brothers Grimm (although other seed banks beg to differ) and that she is one of the most prized strains in the market.

You have probably realized by now that she is featuring in this article because of its sweet, fruity taste. However, this is only the icing on the mouthwatering marijuana cake: In addition to her captivating smell and taste, Cindy is also a very quick grower and a massive yielder. Mr.Soul claims that the strain was created by crossing seeds found in a Sensi branded 2 gram package of Jack Herer purchased at an Amsterdam coffee shop with Cindy males for 3 generations.

C99 is a popular option among indoor growers because of its small size, fast-growing times and high-quality buzz. The yields are abundant and the resinous buds deliver a sweet aroma of tropical fruit. The sativa genetics are very intense in the buzz and the hit is mostly cerebral. Although her high is very clear, it is best that novices take their time with this strain, because it might exhibit adverse psychoactive effects.

• Strain: Sativa/Indica
• Auto Flower Seeds Available: No
• Feminized Seeds Available: No
• Yield: High
• Height Indoors: Small
• Height Outdoors: Medium
• Flowering Period: 7 Weeks
• THC Level: High
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Awards: None

Opium

An extremely special plant in its own right, Opium is worthy of its great reputation. People at Paradise Seeds claim that this wonderful plant grows the biggest kolas they’ve seen! Mind you, see can grow quite big, so proper growing techniques should be employed to moderate its size. It responds equally well to Sea Of Green, Screen Of Green, Low Street Technique, etc. While this plant can grow adequately well indoors, growing it outside is a different story as it can reach enormous sizes.

The reason Opium features in this list is because of its rich, sweet aroma, that features hints of tropical fruit. The taste of smoking Opium is similar to the smell and is equally pungent and pleasant. This plant has a very high calyx-to-leaf ratio and it will grow plentiful, resinous buds.

• Strain: 50% Indica – 50% Sativa
• Auto Flower Seeds Available: No
• Feminized Seeds Available: No
• Yield: 450gm (15.9oz)/m2
• Height Indoors: Medium
• Height Outdoors: Tall
• Flowering Period: 8-9 weeks
• THC Level: 15-18%
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Awards: 2nd place at the 2006 High Times Cannabis Cup, IC420 2006 (2nd)

Juicy Fruit

Not to be confused with the popular bubblegum brand (although they are similar in terms of taste), Juicy Fruit cannabis was bred by Sensi Seeds. It was crossed with Afghani Indica and Thai Sativa. The end product resulted in a healthy, vigorous plant with beautiful green/purple twists. When flowering, hints of orange and lavender show up into the stems and trichome heads.

The flowering time is approximately 7-9 weeks and the THC level hovers around 15-20%. The smell is pungent and sweet, resembling something close to a fruit basket and lemon tree. The effects are mild and very pleasant, owing to the sativa heritage. If want a smoke that will lift you and not drag you, while simultaneously pleasures your taste and olfactory receptors, look no further.

• Strain: 55% Sativa – 45% Indica
• Auto Flower Seeds Available: No
• Feminized Seeds Available: Yes
• Yield: Medium-High
• Height Indoors: Medium
• Height Outdoors: Medium
• Flowering Period: 60 days
• THC Level: 15-20%
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Awards: None

Mango Kush

Mango Kush is an Indica-dominant strain. While it is named after the mango and surely tastes like it, it carries a considerable hint of banana in its taste.

Mango Kush has a THC that can reach 16% and averages around 10-12%. For most users, this strain kicks in immediately, producing a strong euphoric bodily stone. Mango Kush’s history is currently untraceable, but it probably comes from a cross between Mango, by KC Brains, and the famous Hindu Kush.

As we commented above, the Mango Kush marijuana strain tastes similar to the actual mango fruit. The palate combines harmoniously with the trademark Kush taste, and hints of banana and pine are present on the exhale. It’s buds are covered with orange pistils and are described as very dense.

The plant has an average growth height of 4-5 feet. Flowering is 9-11 weeks and is a favorite with both indoor and outdoor growers. THC content has been measured up to 16% and CBD at 0.3%.

• Strain: Indica Dominant
• Auto Flower Seeds Available: No
• Feminized Seeds Available: No
• Yield: Medium
• Height Indoors: Medium
• Height Outdoors: Medium
• Flowering Period: 9-11 Weeks
• THC Level: High (12-16%)
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Awards: None

Maui Wowie

A fabled strain among cannabis connoisseurs since the ‘60s, Maui Wowie is famous across the world for its awesome, citrus/pineapple taste. It is a typical sativa that will take you on an uplifting journey to its home island of Hawaii. The Hawaiian volcanic soil has really helped the Maui Wowie flourish into one of the most special strains in the world.

Ideal for creative escapades and outdoor activities, this plant is tall and firm and prefers tropical climates over colder ones. However, you can still make do indoors with some nutrient-rich soil and a well-lit environment.

• Strain: Sativa Dominant
• Auto Flower Seeds Available: No
• Feminized Seeds Available: Yes
• Yield: 400-500 Grams/M2
• Height Indoors: Tall
• Height Outdoors: Very Tall
• Flowering Period: 9-11 Weeks
• THC Level: High
• Grow Difficulty: Medium
• Awards: None

OG Lemon Kush

Short, fast and exotic, this marijuana strain is a regular “Speedy Gonzalez”: it has a strong indica hit that will most probably result in a couch lock. It is worth noting that Lemon Kush is the least fruity of all the strains presented in this article, but is indeed, one of the most psychoactive of its family. Although it has an unmistakeably skunky taste, it has easily distinguishable fruity hints and it is very popular among growers.

• Strain: Indica Dominant (60%-40%)
• Auto Flower Seeds Available: No
• Feminized Seeds Available: Yes
• Yield: 450-550g/m2
• Height Indoors: Medium
• Height Outdoors: Medium
• Flowering Period: 8-9 Weeks
• THC Level: 17-22%
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Awards: None

Romberry

A cross between the Romulan and Blueberry, this 70% Indica-dominant, offers a strong bodily stone, with only a mild mental buzz. By combining the strong narcotic effects of the Romulan with the tastiness of Blueberry, the Romberry makes up for a great all-round strain that will both relax and satisfy your senses as well.

The buds are dense and round, with lots of sticky resin and brightly orange pistils. Its worth mentioning that this strain is not mold resistant and therefore it is not recommended to grow Romberry plants hydroponically or in a greenhouse. If you go ahead and do it anyways, be sure to provide them with ample ventilation!

• Strain: Indica Dominant
• Auto Flower Seeds Available: No
• Feminized Seeds Available: No
• Yield: 21oz – 25oz (600gm – 700gm) Per M2 Indoors
• Height Indoors: Short
• Height Outdoors: Medium
• Flowering Period: 50-60 Days
• THC Level: Medium
• Grow Difficulty: Medium
• Awards: None

Super Lemon Haze

A celebrated classic among Sativas, Green House Seeds’ Super Lemon Haze, has become an instant hit after its initial release, winning multiple awards. A mix between two of the most good-tasting cannabis strains, namely Lemon Skunk and Super Silver Haze, this strain is sativa dominant still lingers on to its’ Indica lineage, offering mostly cerebral effects to the user. It is also, one of the most potent breeds ever, measuring immense amounts of THC in most varieties. The buds themselves look amazing, with shades of orange and white along the large headed trichomes.

The taste is exactly what you would expect from the strain’s namesake and heritage: zesty and fruity, with citrus hints that tastes equally sweet. This incredible combination of potency and pleasure is probably why the Super Lemon Haze has won multiple awards right after it was released.

• Strain: Sativa 80% -Indica 20%
• Auto Flower Seeds Available: Yes
• Feminized Seeds Available: Yes
• Yield: 500g/m2
• Height Indoors: Tall
• Height Outdoors: Tall
• Flowering Period: 8-11 Weeks
• THC Level: Very High 20%+
• Grow Difficulty: Easy
• Awards: High Times Cup 2008 (1st), 2009 (1st & 2nd), IC420 2010 (1st)

Tangie

DNA Genetics present to us a remake of the famous Tangerine Dream strain, that was epsecially popular during the ‘90s. Tangie is a multi-awarded strain, as it did has won 5 awards in Cannabis Cups.

The Tangie is a sativa-dominant hybrid (70% sativa, 30% indica) that is the result of crossing California Orange (Cali O) with a mysterious parent plant. Rumor has it that the parent was a Skunk #1 crossed with a secret hybrid. Years of careful breeding and backcrossing have led to a mouthwatering strain, which boasts an increased citrus aroma and flavor. In addition, large yields and resinous bud production, make Tangie a very appealing grow for those who are looking towards something different. Although it really shines if grown outside, it responds well to SCROG,SOG. Also, she reacts well to topping or the FIM technique as this will produce more of a bush. For best tasting results grow the Tangie in soil.

• Strain: 70% Sativa/ 30% Indica
• Auto Flower Seeds Available: No
• Feminized Seeds Available: Yes
• Yield: 450-550g/m2.
• Height Indoors: Medium
• Height Outdoors: Tall
• Flowering Period: 8-10 Weeks
• THC Level: Medium
• Grow Difficulty: Medium
• Awards: ACC 2013(1^st), SCCC 2015 (2^nd), HTCC 2014(1^st), HTCC 2014(2^nd), HTCC 2013(1^st), HTCC 2013(3^rd).

Fruity Undertones

Not all people like fruity cannabis, but those who do, swear by its name and have been hooked on its sweet taste and smell. What’s even more interesting than the smell itself, is perhaps the chemistry behind it, that we have amply covered in our article

Writing this article was no easy feat too: the choices were way too many and there is no doubt that many equally amazing strains have been left out. Please share your knowledge with us and help us expand our library of knowledge by stating your favorite fruity strain at the comment section.