Gelato Strain: What Does It Smell & Taste Like | Verilife (2024)

Nothing says summer like the sweet, smooth, satisfying taste of gelato…but not all gelato is served cold. The Gelato strain is a fan favorite throughout the cannabis community, which is why it’s often a top seller when it comes to flower and vape cartridges. In this strain spotlight, we share everything you need to know about Gelato, including its origins, flavor and aroma profile, and the low-down on other related strains.

The Gelato strain was created by The Cookie Family and Mr. Sherbinskis (Mario Guzman) in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Cookie Family cultivated various Gelato phenotypes, such as Gelato #42, while Mr. Sherbinkis cultivated Gelato #41, Gelato #43, Gelato #46, and Gelato #49.²

Gelato’s aroma is as enticing as its namesake dessert. It has a sweet, fruity fragrance with hints of lavender, mint, berries, and citrus. The taste of the Gelato strain will remind you of sherbert with blueberry and orange notes. Cannabis connoisseurs also report a peppery or baking spice taste that reminds them of cinnamon or clove.³ Expect a creamy vanilla aftertaste that lingers on the tongue.

The Larry Bird strain can pack a punch. Its THC content typically ranges between 18-25%, meaning it's moderately to highly potent. Gelato #45 and Gelato #41 have been tested to have a higher THC content of 27-29%.⁴ While the Gelato strains aren’t the most beginner-friendly on the market, they aren’t off-limits to newbie marijuana users. Just ensure you start slowly with a low dose until you know how it affects you.

Cultivators like experimenting with the Gelato genotype to develop new and exciting variants. Each variant brings its own unique twist to the classic Gelato flavor. Here are the top three Gelato strains.

If you like sweet berries, you’re in for a treat with Bubblegum Gelato. Also called the Bubble Gum Gelato strain or BG Gelato, it is slightly more indica-dominant with a 60% indica to 40% sativa split. Bubblegum Gelato is a cross between the classic and highly potent Gelato #45 and the mysterious Indiana Bubblegum. The strain has an average THC content of 16-19%.⁵ Popular with both medical marijuana patients and canna-connoisseurs, Bubblegum Gelato has a sweet cherry and raspberry flavor and smells like an earthy, rich cherry that’s bubblegum sweet.

Prefer the taste of watermelon to berries? Then, the Watermelon Gelato strain might be perfect for you because of its watermelon, apple, and citrusy flavor, which is sweet and sour. The aroma profile of the strain is vibrantly tropical, and its refreshing watermelon scent is earthy, too. Watermelon Gelato has a moderate to high THC level of 20-24%. It’s a cross between Watermelon Zkittlez and Gelato 45.⁷

The Gelato strain is sweet and famous, so it’s no surprise that you’ll want to snag this popular strain if you see it on your local dispensary shelf. But if you have more questions, check out these FAQs:

Is Gelato a sativa or indica strain?
The Gelato strain is a hybrid strain with a slight indica dominance with 45% sativa and 55% indica genetics.

Is Gelato good for beginners?
While Gelato’s THC content is relatively high, it is within the normal range for beginner cannabis consumers. If you are new to cannabis, start with a small dose and take it slow to gauge your tolerance level and how the strain affects you.

Is Gelato the same as Larry Bird?
Gelato is sometimes called Larry Bird, after the legendary basketball player’s jersey number, 33. However, all the Gelato varieties can be called Larry Bird, but Gelato #33 is the phenotype that was named in honor of the NBA player’s jersey number.

You don’t need a sweet tooth or a sugar craving to enjoy Gelato, and the decadent flavor will hit the note for any discerning cannaseur. Head to your local dispensary and treat yourself. Remember to ask your favorite budtender about the Gelato varieties that are in stock so you can choose the perfect product for you.

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