Gelato is a hybrid cannabis strain obtained from a cross between Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Sunset Sherbert.
With a balanced, smooth high and a universally appealing flavor profile, this is an excellent variety for social use.
The creators of Gelato hail from the San Francisco area. If the creation of the Gelato variety is attributed to the Cookie Fam, The plant reveals several numbered phenotypes. The #33 phenotype, for example, has been given the nickname Larry Bird, in reference to the legendary player's jersey number. The #31 phenotype is probably the best known, and corresponds to the variety of Sherbinski most often called Gelato.
Appearance, aroma and flavour
Gelato flowers tend to be small, but with the thick, dense structure characteristic of many indica varieties. It's a variety with immediate visual appeal: bright orange pistils stand out against forest-green leaves accented by shades of deep purple.
The purple hues appear when high concentrations of pigments called anthocyanins are stimulated by cold during the vegetative stage. Although the flowers are sticky, short stems on the trichomes mean that this variety has a less icy appearance than many others. Properly cared for, Gelato flowers have a predominantly pungent citrus scent, compliments of the fruity parent strain Sunset Sherbert. Notes of yeast and dough can also be detected.
The grind of the flowers gives a more herbaceous, earthy profile. Although thick and lung-swelling, Gelato smoke is soft and leaves behind a smooth, creamy sensation - perhaps part of the reason for its name. It is a pungent smoke, and those who wish to remain discreet should take all necessary precautions.
Effects of Gelato
Gelato is known to hit users fast, sometimes taking effect before they've even had time to exhale. The most striking effect is a sense of altered perception, forcing smokers to adapt to their newly intensified environment.
This heady sensation is accompanied by a palpable bodily sensation that discourages all activity, but leaves consumers mobile and not locked in their sofas. Some describe Gelato as having amplified psychedelic effects such as time dilation and sensitivity to sound.
The floating, comfortable but still lucid feeling conferred by this variety makes it ideal for daytime or early evening use. Medicinally, Gelato has value as a potential aid to chronic pain thanks to its powerful anaesthetic effects. Some also use it to treat headaches and migraines.
The carefree mood elevation of this strain may also offer temporary relief from troubling symptoms associated with anxiety, depression and PTSD. Gelato is said to be potent even for more experienced cannabis users; newcomers should moderate their consumption accordingly.
That said, due to its lack of intense cerebral effects, this strain isn't likely to put users in a deeply paranoid state of mind.Gelato has all the smooth, fruity appeal of Sunset Sherbert with the earthy, feel-good goodness of Thin Mints varieties.
Carrying the multiple traits of its strongly crossed lineage, Gelato has remarkable visuals and taste. Its trippy yet relaxing vibe makes it a perfect choice for solo introspection or social conversation.
Culture
For a long time, Gelato seeds were not commercially available, meaning that potential growers may need to obtain plant cuttings in order to cultivate clones. If Gelato samples are obtained, the strain can be particularly difficult to grow and is not necessarily recommended for novices. It can be grown indoors or outdoors.
To bring out the full violet potential of this strain, growers should expose plants to colder temperatures just before the flowering period to stimulate the aforementioned anthocyanin pigments.
