Imagine the sweet scent of apples smothered in butter, batter, and warm cinnamon. Feeling nostalgic? Maybe you’re picturing your grandma at the stove, baking up something special. While apple fritters are already a delicious treat, why not take it a step further and introduce a little THC?
No, we’re not suggesting you toss cannabis into your fritter mix, although it’s certainly possible if you’ve got cannabutter on hand. Thanks to expert breeders, you can now enjoy the warm and cozy vibes of an apple fritter in smokable form. Enter the Apple Fritter strain—a dessert-like cultivar that’ll bake in your mind, not your oven.
While Apple Fritter can be a bit tricky to find, it’s absolutely worth seeking out! This potent powerhouse has made a name for itself and continues to impress with its high potency and mouthwatering flavors. Want to take a deep dive into this delicious strain? Ready your tastebuds, and let’s roll!
Apple Fritter Origins: Where Did It Come From?
A cross between Animal Cookies and Sour Apple, Apple Fritter comes right out of California, where it was bred by Lumpy’s Flowers’ co-owner Jason Dias. Shortly after it made it to market in the early 2010s, it gained a massive following on the West Coast and won the 2016 Northern California High Times Cannabis Cup.
From then on, news of Apple Fritter spread far and wide in the North American cannabis market, and it’s steadily becoming easier to find as demand swells. To better understand how Apple Fritter got its distinctive flavors and effects, it helps to dive a little deeper into its parent strains:
Animal Cookies
For those already familiar with California’s cannabis scene, you’ll recognize Animal Cookies as a part of the illustrious Cookies Fam’s portfolio. Best known as the creators of GSC (formerly Girl Scout Cookies), Cookies has a reputation for producing some delectable dessert hybrids, and Animal Cookies is no exception. This indica-dominant hybrid has traces of GSC mixed with Fire OG, giving it a sweet yet spicy flavor with some earthiness and nuttiness. Its THC level typically falls in the mid-20% range.
Sour Apple
While Animal Cookies supplies the sweetness, Apple Fritter gets its hint of tartness from the Sour Apple strain. Where does it get its pungent profile? From Sour Diesel, of course! Sour Apple is a part of the legendary Sour D lineage, taking on a higher sativa percentage than Animal Cookies. However, Sour Apple is classified as a moderate indica strain with traces of the hybrid Cinderella 99. The combination of these strains gives Sour Apples the aromatics you’d expect from its name: juicy Granny Smith apples with whiffs of earthiness and gasoline. The THC levels usually top out in the teens, contributing to Apple Fritter’s diverse effects.
Apple Fritter Potency
Though we know all about Apple Fritter’s pedigree, there’s considerable debate on whether to consider this strain an indica- or sativa-dominant hybrid. It all comes down to who’s breeding the strain. Most dispensaries and breeders typically list Apple Fritter as a true 50/50 hybrid, though you’d think it’d lean indica dominant, considering both its parents lean indica.
While the exact genetics may be debated, there’s no doubt that Apple Fritter is an absolute powerhouse regarding potency. With THC levels reaching up to 30%, this strain ranks among the strongest flower on the market. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or not, brace yourself—just a couple of hits of Apple Fritter may launch you into entirely new dimensions.
Apple Fritter’s Terpenes, Flavors, and Sweet Aromas
Apple Fritter is a real beauty—it typically features deep green buds encapsulated with frosty trichomes. In the right light, you might even swear that it’s glowing. Some Apple Fritter cultivars present wisps of orange pistils and a flourish of purple for an extra pop.
True to its name, the Apple Fritter strain’s primary aroma and flavor can invoke images of tart apple pastries. A faint spiciness hangs around it, mimicking the cinnamon you’d expect from a real apple fritter. Once you ignite its flowers, you may also notice a slight cheesiness, adding an extra savory element to your smoke. While Apple Fritter contains a multitude of aromatic terpenes, it houses a few standouts:
- Limonene: A bright and sour terpene reminiscent of gasoline and citrus fruits, limonene is best known for its presence in Sour Diesel and other sativa strains like Chemdawg. It’s likely the key player behind Apple Fritter’s sour apple aromas. Some studies suggest it can boost mood, potentially adding a dash of euphoria to its overall effects.
- Alpha-pinene: If you love the smell of a walk in the woods, you may love strains high in alpha-pinene. This terpene is abundant in the natural world, as it’s found in many tree species, such as pine and juniper, and various fragrant herbs like rosemary and eucalyptus. It contributes that deep and refreshingly earthy note to many cannabis strains. Interestingly, some studies suggest alpha-pinene may benefit respiratory health.
- Beta-caryophyllene: Wondering where Apple Fritter gets its spiciness? Look no further than beta-caryophyllene. This terpene is naturally present in black peppercorns, bringing in savory spice. Some reports suggest it acts similarly to cannabinoids, and it may help reduce anxiety.
Apple Fritter Effects
Many fans of Apple Fritter choose it for its heavy effects, with some reporting a cerebral rush and sense of euphoria at the onset, which then melts into deep physical relaxation. Bear in mind that this strain’s effects may feel extra intense due to its high THC levels. If you’re new to cannabis, start slow—Apple Fritter is usually recommended to those with a higher tolerance or for medical patients.
If you’re unsure about your THC tolerance, consider looking for Apple Fritter cultivars with high CBD concentrations to ease you into this tasty yet potent strain. Growers often offer these CBD-rich versions to deliver the same aromatics of their prized bud without the intense high.
Growing Apple Fritter: Tips and Tricks
The Apple Fritter strain is rare, so there isn’t much literature on how to grow it. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find Apple Fritter seeds or clones on the market, but be mindful that growing it from seed can take some trial and error. If you’re new to home cultivation, it may be best to gain experience with easier hybrid strains first so you’re prepared to handle any challenges that may come up. Otherwise, you can follow these tips for a bountiful harvest:
Pest Control
Apple Fritter was bred for its high THC level rather than its resilience and ability to resist pests. Whether you grow it indoors or outdoors, you need to be on high alert for common insects and have your pest control kit ready. Neem oil is a great natural pest-control option—it’s non-toxic to humans and targets many bugs.
Temperature & Humidity
Proper hygiene and ventilation are essential when growing Apple Fritter indoors, whether in a tent or spare room. To keep your plants thriving, aim for temperatures between 68°F and 80°F. For humidity, start at around 65% during the seedling phase, 50 – 40% during vegetation, and 30% during flowering to prevent mold and ensure optimal growth.
Maintaining Your Grow Space
Apple Fritter grows fairly tall despite its indica-dominant genetics. Plants can reach up to five feet, so prepare your grow space accordingly. If grown inside, it’s recommended to employ a plant training technique like low-stress training (LST), topping, or the ScroG method to keep the buds from reaching too close to your light source.
If you let the Apple Fritter plants grow naturally—without any extra growing techniques—there’s a higher chance of light burn or the plant falling over due to the weight of the top cola. Plus, it tends to be more efficient to use training methods to produce the largest yield possible from your plants.
Flowering Time & Yield
Apple Fritter takes its time when flowering. If you’re using an indoor setup, you may expect your plants to be fully mature by week nine. If grown outside, you’ll harvest in October or before the first freeze.
Growing this strain indoors may yield 13 ounces per square meter of canopy under optimal circumstances. If you’re growing outdoors, the supercharged energy of the sun can help each plant yield about 15 ounces.
Shop Apple Fritter and More Delicious Strains at Exclusive
Ready for a taste of the Apple Fritter strain? This mouthwatering cultivar may be your perfect nightcap or after-dinner treat. To truly appreciate its delicious flavors, you need to see it, smell it, and—of course—smoke it. At Exclusive, we take pride in sourcing the best Michigan-grown cannabis, including Apple Fritter and other top-tier strains. Visit your nearest Exclusive dispensary or browse our online menu to get started.
Have more questions about Apple Fritter or any other tasty strains? Head to our informative blog, where you’ll find in-depth guides to fan favorites like Bubba Kush, GMO Cookies, and much more. Or, give us a call—our friendly budtenders are always happy to help!
