The demand for Kush has reached unprecedented levels and shows no signs of slowing down in the near future. With hundreds of new Kush strains being created to meet this demand, it’s clear that the market for this strain is booming. Most of these new strains are sativa-dominant hybrids, incorporating various Southern California OG Kush varieties. These hybrids have gained immense popularity for their high potency and distinct jet fuel aroma. They are the new face of Kush and are currently stealing the spotlight. But what about the appreciation for the old school Kush?
When it comes to Kush, there are essentially two main varieties: the newer generation of OG Kush hybrids and the original indica strains like Hindu Kush. While these pure indica strains are also potent, they tend to have more mellow, earthy flavors and aromas. A comparison between two popular Kush strains, Master Kush and San Fernando Valley OG, would reveal that they have very little in common. They are distinctly different, yet both are considered Kush and are beloved by crowds in their own unique ways.
A prime example of a top-notch indica-dominant Kush is Blackberry Kush. A long-standing favorite in the northwest, Blackberry Kush buds are large, dense, and covered in glistening crystals. Its aroma is a delightful blend of sweet earthiness with hints of pinot noir, chocolate, and coffee beans. These flavors carry over onto the palate, leaving a lingering taste of purple berries. This strain is perfect for relaxation, sleep, and pain relief. While it’s believed to be a cross between Afghani and Blackberry, some argue that it may be an old school purple Kush cut due to its quintessential indica characteristics. There is no evidence of any sativa presence in its lineage.
Blackberry Kush can be a challenging plant to grow at times, as it is prone to pre-flowering during the vegetative stage. This can significantly slow down its growth and overall yield. Pre-flowering is when vegetating plants start to produce pistils or hair, mimicking the flowering stage. This is an uncommon trait that is often seen in fast-finishing indica strains when they are under stress. Some speculate that Blackberry Kush may have a recessive genetic trait in common with auto-flowering Ruderalis strains. Despite this challenge, growers love Blackberry Kush for its fast-finishing time of just 7 weeks. It also doesn’t stretch much during the flowering stage, making it ideal for the Sea of Green (SOG) method. The buds have a medium leaf to calyx ratio, making them relatively easy to trim at harvest time. It’s crucial to save all the crystal-covered trim, as Blackberry Kush is known for producing some of the finest hash. If given the opportunity, trying some Blackberry Kush ice-water hash is a must for any hipster journalist.
