This basically refers to taking the time to remove all the fan leaves, smaller leaves, and cut each bud individually, before the flowers have had a chance to dry. Growers who enjoy being hands on early doors with trimming scissors and gloves will place the buds on a drying net to air out over a 10-14 day period.
This method is also an excellent way to obtain fresh frozen live resin plant material. As the buds have not dried, they will not have a chance to decarboxylate causing a much more unique terpene profile to reveal itself after being washed for bubble hash or pressed into rosin.
For those who hate the idea of cutting down each bud fresh and trimming straight after harvesting or simply have too many plants, dry trimming involves removing all the fan leaves and allowing the entire plant to hang for 10-14 days. Only once the buds are totally dry, then the removal of the sugar leaf surrounding the buds can begin.
When trimming dried plants, be sure to have a tray or sifting screen to collect the fallen trichomes. Unlike ice water hash, this pollen can be immediately smoked and not required to dry out.
Hand Trimming VS Machine Trimming
The traditional and best way to really clean up a flower to perfection. Of course not all commercial operations are able to hand trim their buds due to logistics and impracticality, in comparison to using machine trimmers, or other equipment such as trim bins.
Oftentimes frowned upon by true connoisseurs, using machine trimming can be a lifesaver when it comes to trimming large quantities in a short time. The buds may need a second clean up, however commercially they are extremely advantageous. Some may argue the buds lack that personal touch to a home grower can afford to do.
How Long Will The Buds Take To Dry?
If you are wet trimming and allowing the buds to air out, or have chosen to hang the entire plant, you will need to give a time frame of preferably 14 days. Smaller buds may be ready to be smoked, or cured after 10, however it is best to leave for 14 days in most cases.
The temperature of the dark drying room should be as close to 15 degrees Celsius as possible, with a humidity close to 50%. Grow tents are perfect for drying, or a makeshift drying room with air extraction will be fine.
What To Look For
- The flowers will have reduced in size, however will have a solid density to them.
- To touch they will be dry and have a loud aroma when handled.
- The twigs attached to the buds will be light colored and break easily.
- Any remaining smells of chlorophyll have completely gone.
- The buds are sticky but dry, and have not become lifeless and airy.
Curing Cannabis Flowers To Enhance Flavor, Aroma, And Effect
Curing cheese or ham adds value, flavor and brings out new levels, so the same is to be expected when curing Cannabis flowers. There is a misconception that curing is the same as storing, which is not true as curing is an oxidation process.
The principle behind keeping buds in an airtight glass jar or tub, and allowing the tub to be opened for 10 minutes each day is to cause buds to react with the air and as a result degrade from THC to CBD. The effects will be different and offer a much more physical effect bordering on narcotic and ultimate couch lock.
Conclusion
Learning about how each plant grows and finishes differently takes time and hours in the garden. Once you have a strain dialed in and know exactly when to flush, chop, and cure then you will be on your way to growing some of the best flavors possible. Like everything else, drying and curing is a learning process that can easily go wrong, so make sure you cover every angle before making the final chop.
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