All photos courtesy of Zendo Edibles
Romantic partners Chynna Parks and Douglas Gismondi pushed their relationship into business territory with the advent of Zendo Edibles, a design-heavy company based in Southern California that's notable for featuring artistic illustrations and a pastel-heavy palette on its packaging. The flora-oriented designs hint at the couple's outdoorsy tendencies while reinforcing the plant's natural healing powers. Plus, the products deliver with taste, hailing praise like Best Edible at the High Times 2017 Cannabis Cup.
MERRY JANE got with Parks over email to talk health, hiking, and design. She also shared a tasty, tingly take on an iconic afternoon snack.
Zendo's Medicated Grilled PB&J
Ingredients
- 2 slices hearty whole wheat bread
- 1 tbsp. unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2-2 tbsp. Zendo's all-natural medicated Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1 1/2-2 tbsp. fruit jam spread, flavor of your liking
Instructions
Butter outsides of bread, then spread Zendo's medicated peanut butter on unbuttered side of one slice and spread fruit jam on the unbuttered side of remaining slice. Sandwich bread together.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place sandwich in skillet and cook until golden brown on bottom, then flip and cook opposite side until golden brown. Slice in half and serve warm. Enjoy.
MERRY JANE: Besides the whole cannabis detail, Zendo's beautiful design drew me to the brand. Tell me a little about how you develop packaging and select art for specific products.
Chynna Parks: Zendo was developed by a nature-obsessed young couple, myself and Douglas Gismondi out of Southern California. Our love for the outdoors, health, and medical marijuana is how Zendo was created. I'm the creative mind behind the branding and design. Inspired by nature, I wanted to keep the brand clean and organic but to still have fun, eye-catching flair with the packaging shapes.
How did Zendo cultivate its aesthetic and how do you think that attracts its target demographic? Who is that target demo?
Zendo is relatable to all. Our target market is anyone who is over 21 years of age and would like a healthier, delicious way to medicate with marijuana.
How have you seen edibles evolve over the past few years? How does Zendo keep ahead of the curve?
I am not sure if we try and stay ahead of the curve. We just stay true to our love for nature and our body's health. We created products that we love to eat and that also have natural health benefits. We have realized over the years that majority of medical marijuana users are suffering from some sort of illness and need a healthy alternative to medicate, one that also tastes great! Health, wellness, and your taste buds are always on our minds.
What's your best selling product? Why do you think that is?
Zendo's best-selling product is our almonds. I believe this is the best selling product because the Honey Cocoa Almonds just won Best Edible at 2017 High Times Cannabis Cup Awards — they are pretty delicious!
Tell me about the dish you're sharing with us today. How was it developed? Any pairing suggestions?
This recipe was made for the love of natural ingredients and its classic, well-known taste.
For more on Zendo Edibles, visit the company's website here
Follow Beca Grimm on Twitter