THE GELATO STRAIN: A CANNABIS SUPERSTAR

You can’t talk about popular weed strains without mentioning Gelato. Since its birth in 2014, not only has Gelato blown up into a household name amongst stoners, it has also been used as the backbone for many modern variants that fall under the dessert weed category and it has earned its legendary status. 

Here are some things you should know about the famous indica-dominant hybrid.

A cannabis flower nug from the Gelato strain sits up straight against a black background.

 

The Gelato strain profile

Gelato, also known as Gelato 33 or Larry Bird, is a predominantly indica weed strain, is a product of crossing Sunset Sherbert and Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies. It was bred by legendary breeders Mario Guzman, better known as  Mr. Sherbinskis (creator of Sunset Sherbert), and Jai Chang, better known as Jigga. These two breeders are original members of the Bay Area’s famous Cookie Family. 

Gelato’s flowers carry dark purple hues with long orange hairs and a thick coat of milky white trichomes. The high trichome density contributes to how flavorful and potent this strain can be. That’s because the cannabinoids and terpenes, amongst other molecules, live inside the trichome oils. The more trichomes on a cannabis flower, the better its quality. 

Parent Strain 1: Sunset Sherbert

Sunset Sherbet, a renowned strain bred by Mario Guzman, is a cross between Thin Mint GSC and Pink Panties, peaking in popularity around 2012. Its vibrant green nugs, sometimes tinged with amber, exude a sweet aroma with tropical, floral, and earthy notes, enriched by terpenes like caryophyllene, myrcene, and limonene. This indica-dominant strain offers a dreamy cerebral and physical experience, inducing feelings of relaxation, happiness, and creativity. Cultivating Sunset Sherbet requires expertise due to its high demand, specific growth conditions and the challenge of obtaining authentic genetics. You can buy our STIIIZY Sunset Sherbert and enjoy the nice smoke.

Parent Strain #2: Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies

Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies is a balanced hybrid strain derived from Girl Scout Cookies, OG Kush, and F1 Durban Poison. With THC levels reaching 24%, it offers a mix of cerebral and calming effects, ideal for addressing anxiety, insomnia, and appetite loss. Predominant in the West Coast, Nevada, and Arizona, its flavor blends mint, vanilla, and sweet notes, making it distinct yet reminiscent of its iconic parent strains.

What are the Gelato phenotypes? 

There are multiple versions of Gelato, called phenotypes, each with its own unique characteristics. Phenotypes are best described as cannabis plants that have the same lineage (in this case, Sherbert and Thin Mint GSC), but still express different attributes in their appearance, smell, taste, and effects. Think of it as the weed version of a litter of kittens having the same parents, but different fur patterns and personalities. 

Gelato has several different phenotypes, and each one has particular attributes that make it unique enough to deserve its own name. You’ve got Gelato #25, aka Barry Bonds: Gelato #33, aka Larry Bird; Gelato #41 aka Bacio Gelato; Gelato #43, aka Gello Gelato; Gelato #47, aka Mochi Gelato; and Gelato #49, aka Acai Berry Gelato. All of them are popular choices for cannabis enthusiasts looking for a specific type of high.

A group of infused blunts with cannabis flower from the Gelato strain, lie in front of their green-capped jar.

STIIIZY's infused blunts + Gelato strain = more flavor and potency.

How does Gelato smell and taste? 

Gelato can smell and taste a few different ways, depending on the phenotype, who grew it, and how. Generally speaking, Gelato tastes like a mix of earthy, sweet, and gassy flavors. Its predominant terpenes are caryophyllene, limonene, and humulene.  

Caryophyllene is what gives Gelato its peppery kick, and aside from black pepper, the terpene is also found in cloves and cinnamon. Limonene, as the name suggests, is prevalent in citrus fruit like lemons. The hoppy, weedy, earthy, sweet, spicy flavors present in Gelato come from the humulene terpene.

This combination of dominant terpenes works in conjunction with the other compounds in the strain to produce the complete experience of smoking, dabbing, and/or vaping Gelato. 

Original THC pods with the Gelato strain offer a high level of purity.

Is Gelato a body high or head high? 

Gelato can feel like both a head high and body high, depending on who smokes it, it is known to be one of the potent strains and of course it is one of the most popular Gelato strains. Since we each have a unique endocannabinoid system, we all process cannabis compounds differently. Some may have a high THC tolerance while others are the complete opposite. The nice balanced effects make this a great beginner strain but still a great strain for those vet cannabis users as well.

That said, you may likely hear people reporting that the Gelato genetics are something you definitely want to try out and experience the gelato strains next time you go to the cannabis dispensary. Many users say this strain produces relaxing effects that can help provide relief to stress, depression, headaches, chronic pain and muscle spasms. This can produce both a nice mellow high but still a uplifting one with the high thc content in some of the varities. Again, the high thc levels and potency depend on how the Gelato cannabis strain is grown and cultivated.

This is also the perfect strain to bring a sense of happiness, and uplifting high. In fact, Gelato is also well-known for being a physically relaxing cannabis strain. It starts in the head, just right behind the eyes, before failing off into a deep relaxation that can be felt from head to toe.   

Though potently relaxing, Gelato isn’t expected to be a sleepy, couch-locking type of strain. Instead, you’ll just want to kick back with a smile on your face as the stresses of the day disappear gradually. 

When purchasing Gelato, or any strain for that matter, make sure to only buy it from high-quality brands that put great weed into their jars and bags. That will ensure that you get the proper experience that its breeders intended. 

A disposable weed pen with distillate derived from the Gelato strain stands next to its black box.

Growing & Cultivating Gelato

Gelato Strain: A Grower's Delight

Gelato, often known as Larry Bird or Gelato strain #33, is a balanced hybrid cannabis strain boasting a genetic makeup of 55% indica and 45% sativa. Gelato has gained popularity for its sweet taste reminiscent of creamy berries and its earthy aroma. Cultivating Gelato can be a bit challenging, especially for beginners whether you want it grown indoors or you are more part of the outdoor growers category.

This strain requires a controlled environment with strict temperature and humidity monitoring. Despite its demanding nature, the rewards are bountiful. With Gelato plants you can expect yields between 17oz to 24oz depending on the growing environment, and they flourish best in warm and humid conditions.

Growers are advised to prune unnecessary fan leaves to enhance airflow and light exposure, and to maintain a humidity level between 40% to 50%. For those up to the challenge, the end result is a generous harvest of trichome-rich buds that promise a both euphoric high and creatively stimulating high.

The Allure of Growing Gelato

Gelato is not just any cannabis strain; it's a luxury indica-dominant variety that promises relaxation and creativity. With THC levels soaring up to 24%, it's a favorite among veteran cannabis enthusiasts and medicinal users alike. But what makes Gelato truly stand out is its cultivation journey. While it might be slightly more complex to grow compared to other strains, the satisfaction derived from harvesting its resinous, fat buds is unparalleled.

Gelato flowers typically within 9 weeks but can take up to about o 10 weeks to finish flowering. Based on its Girl Scout Cookie lineage, Gelato demands ample amounts of calcium and magnesium and benefits from regular pruning. It thrives in setups like the screen of green or sea of green, and growers need to be vigilant about temperature, light cycle and humidity to prevent the onset of pathogens. For those who dare to take on the challenge, Gelato offers not just a cultivation experience but also a taste of one of the most sought-after strains in the cannabis world.

Conclusion

Gelato, with its unmistakable visual appeal and rich trichomes, has firmly established its reputation in the cannabis industry. Known for its euphoric effects, this strain boasts impressive THC levels, often reaching up to 24%. Cultivators are drawn to its unique challenges, with specific attention to its flowering time and growing conditions. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, Gelato stands as a testament to the blend of art and science in cultivation, offering both a visual feast and a potent experience for enthusiasts.

Before you go! Check out our recipe for you to take that Gelato strain from the joint to the kitchen.

From Our Recipe Box: No-Churn Cannabis-Infused Gelato

gelato strain cannabis infused gelato recipe

Of course, if the name of the strain is none other than the beloved Gelato dessert, then what better thing to make then the name itself! Feel free to customize your recipe to add in flavor you might want to try like lemon, lavender, blueberry anything that will help satisfy those munchies and enhance the flavor!

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups heavy cream, chilled

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk, chilled

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

  • 3 tbsp cannabis-infused coconut oil (adjust based on desired potency)

  • Optional: mix-ins like crushed cookies, fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts

Instructions for Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil:

1. Grind your Gelato strain cannabis buds finely.

2. In a saucepan on low heat, combine 1 cup of coconut oil with the ground cannabis.

3. Gently simmer on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Ensure the temperature doesn't exceed 240°F (115°C) to prevent THC degradation.

4. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the plant material.

5. Allow the oil to cool and store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Gelato Instructions:

1. In a large, chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream using a hand mixer or a whisk until stiff peaks form. This means the cream will hold its shape rather than dripping off the whisk.

2. In a separate bowl, mix together the chilled sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and cannabis-infused coconut oil until smooth and well combined.

3. Carefully fold the condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula. Use gentle, sweeping motions to combine without deflating the airy whipped cream.

4. If you're adding mix-ins, gently fold them into the mixture at this point.

5. Transfer the mixture into a loaf pan or an airtight container, spreading it out evenly.

6. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent ice crystals from forming.

7. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or until firm. Ideally, leave it overnight for the best texture.

8. When ready to serve, remove the gelato from the freezer and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop.

Enjoy your creamy, homemade, no-churn, cannabis-infused Gelato!

Note: Always consume cannabis edibles responsibly. The effects can take 1-2 hours to manifest and can last several hours. Start with a small portion and wait to see how it affects you before consuming more.

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