Bella Ortega

Bella Ortega is a 100% pure indica strain created as a phenotype of the classic Ortega strain, originating from Afghanistan's Mazar-i-Sharif region. This strain represents over 40 years of preserved genetics, originally brought out of Afghanistan before the Soviet invasion and given to renowned breeder Nevil Schoenmakers at The Seed Bank, who refined and selected this variety. Also known as Maple Leaf Indica, Bella Ortega is not related to Northern Lights despite common misconceptions. The strain has become a favorite among patients and breeders alike for its exceptional qualities and stable genetics that have influenced many famous crosses including Black Domina and Super Skunk.

Bella Ortega produces dense, pepper-shaped dark olive green nugs with long thin orange hairs and a heavy coating of frosty white crystal trichomes dripping with sweet sticky resin. The plants grow with distinctive dark green broad leaves reminiscent of maple leaves, featuring stable main trunks that develop in a Christmas tree shape when given adequate space. The cultivation produces tightly composed buds with one main blossom and minimal lateral shoots. This strain is particularly prized for hash production, creating excellent dry-sifted concentrates with complex flavor profiles. The very resinous nature of the plants makes them ideal for traditional hash-making methods.

The aroma profile combines sweet and sour grapefruit notes with distinct hashish and hop undertones, while the flavor delivers sweet and fruity tastes that transition to heavily sour and spicy black pepper notes upon exhale. The effects are characterized by deep sedation rather than cerebral stimulation, providing a substantial mood boost that leads to happy yet drowsy states, ultimately progressing to profound relaxation and sleep-inducing effects that make this strain particularly valuable for evening use.