Origins and Backstory: From Cannarado Genetics, Stir Fry is a cross of two currently-popular strains. It is a cross of GMO and Orange Cookies, and the name seems fitting. While I did not grow this plant from seed, I received a selected clone from @wondermademedoit. GMO and Orange Cookies are two extremely popular plants, with GMO in nearly every storefront at the time of publishing this. GMO is known for intense aromas of garlic, onions, OG funk, and great visual bag appeal. The plant also has an impressive stone, and is really a complete package (especially for a commercially-minded cultivator). There is a lot of (typical) controversy around GMO, some arguing it was named after garlic, mushrooms, and onions (aromas that show up early in flower), but I’ll let the reader do their own research. I have personally never grown GMO or Orange Cookies, but I can see that Stir Fry embodies most of the favorable traits of both parents. In my mind, Stir Fry represents the current commercial cannabis market. The traits in this plant seem to be those sought after by consumers and producers, and I can see why these plants (and similar ones) are all the current rage.
Appearance: Absolutely stunning, Stir Fry’s dense buds are crusted in trichomes with extreme color variations. The color of fresh buds have nearly every shade of green you could imagine as well as light purple accents on leaf and calyx tips. While I harvested this plant early, I’d certainly expect that a later harvest would accentuate the purpling and more dramatic color changes. The pistils are an attractive and typical reddish-orange, giving a bag of Stir Fry classic appeal. These look like solid, pine-cone-like buds with plenty of color and frost. All in all, Stir Fry’s appearance is somewhere between ripened fruit, and a gemstone. This is really beautiful flower.
Aroma: Following the lead of the aesthetics, Stir Fry’s bouquet is sweet, candied, and almost inspires hunger—certainly it inspires the want to consume the flower one way or another. Most noticeable are tamarind, orange juice, graham cracker, skunk, and some umami flavors that are somewhere between shiitake mushrooms and fish sauce. There is a prominent garlic note that has come out with a prolonged cure, and I’ve had a few friends also verify a toasted sesame oil aroma. It is some very attractive and delicious-smelling weed. Overall, I’d describe it as orange-blossom/honey/tamarind/umami.
Flavor: The flavor closely follow the aroma. Floral and sweet, Stir Fry tastes like orange blossom honey. If the reader hasn’t experienced orange blossom honey—go get some! It is floral, citrusy/tangy, sweet/candied, and the first time I tried it I was in mild awe. I am also in mild awe of the flavor of this weed. The aroma perfectly translates to flavor, and makes for a borderline-blissful experience. Not only are the orange blossom honey and tamarind flavors prominent, but they’re tangier in flavor than in aroma. The flavor is an entourage of notes complete with the garlic, graham cracker, and toasted sesame/kelp/crackers that keep the umami aroma intact in flavor. The flavor of this smoke is nothing short of a work of art, and I’m impressed—the hype is real.
Effects: This weed is immediately felt in the body and behind the eyes, bringing a sense of calm and relaxation. It is potent, coming on gradually but assertively. At first it is sedating and mellowing, and I can feel the tension in my shoulders/neck slowly dissolve as the speed of my thought slows. Each hit takes you higher, but there is a slow settling that occurs (unlike the instant forehead floating of LimepopKushxSkyJaro). This weed is strong but very relaxing, and is certainly in the same vein of most other commercially popular strains in this sense. While some folks complain that cookies are not potent enough, I definitely don’t have that issue with this flower—it gets me plenty high! Even two hits is enough to do the job for a seasoned toker, and my typical dose of this flower is 1-3 solid tokes. Otherwise, the relaxation turns narcotic, and the smoker is totally content with just loafing around. This is classic chill weed felt both in the body and brain. I’d say it’s a well-balanced effect that ultimately leans toward the “indica” end of the spectrum, with a good dose of euphoria and well-being felt in the mind.
Overall: I will admit it—I am a hater of the hype cultivars. When a new strain comes out that everyone has to have, I am immediately skeptical, and likely even cynical. I assume that if the masses love it, it is probably pretty mediocre. However, in recent years, I think I’ve warmed up more to popular opinion of stoners. Stir Fry is probably one of the best examples of a cultivar that I have no business hating on! I was certainly cynical when I received it, and really didn’t pay the plant much attention. The harvest really changed my mind, and this is an elite-level plant that shines on every level. Like most hype strains, I do feel that it falls a bit short in the “effects” category—it doesn’t stand out in any one way. While enjoyable, strong, relaxing, and happy, it’s not superb. However, every other aspect of this flower is, and Stir Fry is plant worthy of a few cycles. The aroma, flavor, appearance, and everything else about this flower is a special treat!