Strawberry Banana AAAA+ Popcorn Buds

Although Strawberry Banana seems like a taste combination best suited to a breakfast smoothie, it’s also the name of an indica-leaning hybrid developed by breeders DNA Genetics in collaboration with Serious Seeds. Strawberry Banana is a cross between two fruity strains: Bubble Gum and Banana Kush. With a universally-appealing flavor and an easygoing, mellow high, this strain enjoys wide popularity in the U.S. west coast market. To top it all off, cannabis testing lab Analytical 360 has consistently found flowers of Strawberry Banana to have between 17% and 23% THC. In 2018 Emerald Cannabis Worx LLC contacted Wikileaf with a report of their lab testing results by Green Leaf Labs. The report boasted a whopping 32.61% Total THC for their variant of Strawberry Banana.

Strawberry Banana has small to medium-sized flowers that maintain a tight, dense bud structure — the tightly-packed leaves do not come easily off of their central stems. The leaves themselves appear light green with a yellowish tint and are set off by bright orange pistils. Some phenotypes of this strain are also flecked with purple, the result of pigments in the plant’s genetics being stimulated by colder than average temperatures during the growing process. A furry coating of white trichomes covers the flowers and accounts for their high THC. When properly cured, flowers of this strain have a sweet and mildly fruity taste, more like banana than strawberry. Breaking open or grinding the buds yields a more hashy, spicy scent, betraying this strain’s OG Kush roots. Strawberry Banana offers a smooth, easy smoke when combusted and tastes distinctly like berries on the exhale. And while it may leave behind a fruity, creamy sensation, Strawberry Banana is also very pungent, so those trying to keep their consumption discreet should take caution.

Like many strong indicas, Strawberry Banana has a high that builds slowly, often taking several minutes after smokers have savored its unique taste before fully revealing its effects. Users will eventually feel a sharpened sensory perception, and may feel like certain sights or sounds have taken on a psychedelic component. These trippy — but not entirely cerebral — effects can be well suited to enjoyment of low-key movies and music; they may also be just the thing for a long walk or a hike. Any initial mental impact from this strain is soon overtaken by powerful indica relaxation. Smokers may look to take a load off in the closest comfortable surroundings. Associative thinking persists throughout the high and may lend itself to creative thinking and problem solving. Couch lock is common in the later stages of the high. Because of its delayed sedative onset, Strawberry Banana is best suited to evening or nighttime use.

This strain has many applications for medical cannabis patients as well. Those with anxiety or depression may feel temporary relief, as heightened senses may contribute to a feeling of being “in the moment.” Strawberry Banana’s sustained sense of focus can also be of use to patients with attention deficit disorders. Its sedative indica effects can provide relief from both moderate and acute aches and pains. On the downside, dry eyes and dry mouth are very common side effects.

Several companies have made seeds of Strawberry Banana available for purchase online, but consumers be sure that they’re buying from reputable sellers. Growers can also obtain clippings from mature, healthy plants of the strain in order to grow genetically identical “clones.” Strawberry Banana is forgiving on novice growers and can be grown indoors or out — although successful outdoor cultivation depends on humid daytime conditions with temperatures in the 70 degree Fahrenheit range. Those looking to bring out the leaves’ eye-catching purple potential should also artificially “shock” the plants by exposing them to cold temperatures at night. Strawberry Banana is a big yielder, offering growers between 42 to 51 grams (or 1.2 to 1.8 ounces) of flower per square foot of plant.

After the meticulous process of harvesting their buds, growers should also properly cure the flowers to maintain their valuable resin. Curing involves first hanging the buds upside-down to dry for one week in conditions of 50% humidity and 70 degrees Fahrenheit; and then sealing them in airtight jars in 70 degrees and 60-65% humidity.

Strawberry Banana’s well-balanced high is right at home in a variety of settings, from introspective solo unwinding to buzzy, social surroundings. It is especially appropriate for parties, where its unique aroma is sure to turn a few heads. This strain’s high resin production also makes it particularly useful in producing hash and other THC concentrates.