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Drying and Curing Bubble Hash: How to Do It

by | Jan 2, 2023 | Cannabis Concentrates, Informational | 0 comments

Island Pink Bubble Hash

Table of Contents

Bubble hash is famous for its solvent-free extract identity that doesn’t require any additional chemicals. The small bubbles that develop when it is heated are what gave it its name. The drying process of bubble hash is one of the most important methods of its reparation, and whether it is air-dried or with the help of a freeze drier, it is important to understand the benefits of both!

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Introduction

A better-evolved method of hash harvesting called “bubble hash” enables the creation of excellent-quality hash without the use of extra chemicals. The hash plant’s trichomes (resin glands) and other elements that are eliminated during treatment are used to make hash. This variety has a THC level that ranges from 30 to 60%, indicating strong effects. Bubble hash is one of the most fragrant and tasty compounds that can be generated. For instance, for people who prefer minty flavors, a kush mint is ideal. For vanilla flavors, a LA Kush cake is a recommended purchase. This is because the terpenes inside the compound are preserved during the extraction process by using low temperatures.

Cannabis plant flowers are stirred up in cold water to create bubble hash. The plant material’s resinous trichomes harden and split off, settling to the bottom of a metallic sieve, often composed of a series of mesh filters with progressively smaller mesh sizes. The smaller the mesh, or “micron,” less the plant material there is in the substance. The process of drying is crucial to the production of premium bubble hash. The drying method utilized after creation is a very important aspect of bubble hash composition that is occasionally disregarded. As soon as it is collected, bubble hash is entirely saturated with water, which needs to be gotten rid of properly. Handling wet bubble hash correctly is essential to prevent mold growth and preserve cannabinoids and terpenes. Here we discuss different methods of drying and curing bubble hash to give its users the best possible experience.

Understanding Bubble Hash Drying

Drying bubble hash is a crucial step in the solventless extraction process that significantly impacts the final potency and flavour of the product. Bubble hash stands out due to its purity, flavour, and potency, making it a valuable opportunity for commercial growers. The secret lies in the trichomes of cannabis plants, which contain cannabinoids and terpenes, giving bubble hash its unique qualities.

Ice water extraction is a popular method for creating bubble hash. This solventless extraction technique involves using ice water and gentle agitation to separate trichomes from the cannabis flowers. The result is a high-quality product that retains the plant’s natural flavours and effects. To achieve the most potent and flavorful bubble hash, professionals must carefully select premium buds with the highest concentration of trichomes.

However, the journey doesn’t end with extraction. Drying and curing bubble hash correctly is essential to preserve its unique qualities. The drying process helps remove excess moisture, preventing mold growth and ensuring the final product is potent and flavorful. By understanding the importance of drying bubble hash, growers can produce a superior product that stands out in the market.

Preparing to Dry Bubble Hash

Preparing to dry bubble hash is a critical stage in the solventless extraction process that directly affects the final potency and flavour of the product. To achieve optimal results, growers must carefully prepare the drying environment to preserve the delicate terpenes and cannabinoids.

Creating the ideal environment starts with a focus on cleanliness and low humidity. A low-humidity environment is essential to prevent mold growth and damage to the delicate trichomes. Mold growth can ruin the quality of the bubble hash, making it unusable. Therefore, maintaining a clean and controlled environment is paramount.

Growers must select an environment free from contaminants that might affect the purity of the final product. This means ensuring that the drying area is free from dust, pests, and other potential contaminants. By taking these precautions, growers can ensure that their bubble hash remains pure and potent throughout the drying process.

How To Dry Bubble Hash

Varying techniques to dry bubble hash exist and require different degrees of the operator’s involvement in the drying process. For instance, drying bubble hash with a freeze drier is a fully automated operation that needs minimal human activity, and whatever activity is required by the process is straightforward and requires them to start the process, keep an eye on it and sit back and wait while the freeze drier does its job. However, while using the process of air drying, the operator must precisely regulate the hash’s pretreatment, temperature, the humidity of the drying area, and a few other parameters that need supervision.

There is also a need for reading the instruction manual properly before drying the hash no matter which method is used. For example, if you are drying the hash in a small aggregation of trichome heads, you are prolonging the drying process, using more effort, and wasting terpenes as a result, which means you are doing it incorrectly. Spreading the hash in a thin layer is crucial for effective drying, preventing mold growth, and achieving high-quality results.

The drying process that is chosen ultimately depends upon the extractor’s resources, comfort level and preference. The air-drying method as well as the freeze-drying method, are described below to help you familiarize yourself with the processes so that when you assume the role of the bubble hash extractor, you are well informed.

Air drying

To air dry bubble hash, the bubble wash bags’ hash is removed in completely saturated globs of trichomes. (Also check out our blog on the best bubble bags) The wet hash patties are put on a 15 or25 micron screen, and some water is gently coaxed out by patting the screen. The hash is placed in the freezer for 24 hours once the separation is finished to fully chill it.

To enable water to escape more rapidly and thoroughly, the hash patties must be cut up into separate small bits once the new, wet hash has been frozen solid. Water will become trapped inside the cluster of trichomes if the hash isn’t split off and spread out in a fine coating, possibly fostering the growth of mold. Over a sheet of parchment paper, the hash dries in a fine layer. A bit of board placed beneath the parchment serves as a dehydrator, drawing water out of the hash.

Freeze drying

Equipment called the ‘Freeze Dryer’ is typically used to freeze-dry products for extended storage. The hash fraternity can use this as an apparatus that could help hash dry more quickly. Knowing which parameters to utilize, such as temperature and humidity, is crucial when working with a freeze dryer. The bubble hash will sublimate most effectively if it is placed in freeze-dryer trays with as much surface area and outside exposure as feasible. This implies that you’ll need to collect the hash in a suitable thickness with much more water than for air drying before taking it from the filter media. The filter medium is commonly referred to as ‘bubble bags’.

Using a sieve to grind frozen bubble hash more gently than other methods is important. Rubbing the frozen bubble hash in a bowl structure facilitates an even distribution onto parchment paper during the grinding process.

When the wet hash is put in the freeze dryer, the device pulls the hash in while also regulating the temperature’s rise and decline. This technology sublimates the hash and consequently, dries it. This makes it possible for sublimation to take place and aids in converting water from a solid into a gaseous state so that it may be eliminated from the crop.

However, it is important to take into consideration the advantage that the drying process also sanitizes the hash, making it a fantastic choice for traditional markets with high standards for quality. The freeze-drying method has the main drying cycle that may last from 10-16 hours. The length of the drying process depends upon the amount of water the bubble hash was saturated with.

How Long Should I Dry it for?

The time it takes for the hash to finish drying out might range from two days to more than a week. To check if it is dry enough, check whether the hash should have a granular consistency and leave no liquid when pressed when it is suitably dried. The entire freeze-drying procedure takes no more than 24 hours to complete. Additionally, freeze dryers lessen the amount of oxidation that takes place. Reduced oxidation aids in preserving the hash’s natural lighter shade. Because of oxidation, air-dried bubble hash typically has a deeper hue.

Why should we dry it?

As soon as it is collected, after its extraction process, the bubble hash is entirely immersed in water. The drying method utilized after creation seems to be another aspect of bubble hash integrity and high quality that is occasionally disregarded. Drying the hash thoroughly not only keeps it from becoming moldy but also brings forth its best aspects.

Monitoring and Testing

Consistently monitoring your bubble hash throughout the drying process is crucial to preserving its quality. Several factors need to be closely observed, including temperature, moisture content, appearance, and texture.

Monitoring the moisture content is particularly important. One simple method is to take a small sample of the bubble hash and squeeze it gently between your fingers. This can help you determine whether the hash is drying evenly and prevent under- or over-drying.

In addition to manual checks, laboratories can perform potency testing to measure the levels of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Terpene profiling is another valuable test, as it identifies the aromatic compounds responsible for the unique flavours and aromas of bubble hash. By keeping a close eye on these factors, you can ensure that your bubble hash maintains its high quality throughout the drying process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When drying bubble hash, there are several common mistakes to avoid to ensure a high-quality final product. One of the most critical mistakes is not controlling the environment properly. An uncontrolled environment can lead to mold growth and damage to the delicate trichomes, compromising the quality of the bubble hash.

Another common mistake is not monitoring the moisture content. Failing to do so can result in under or over-drying, both of which can negatively impact the potency and flavour of the bubble hash. It’s essential to regularly check the moisture content to ensure the hash is drying evenly.

Additionally, not using the right equipment, such as a freeze dryer, can lead to a lower-quality final product. Freeze dryers are designed to remove moisture efficiently and preserve the integrity of the trichomes. Without the proper equipment, the drying process may not be as effective.

Finally, not storing the bubble hash properly can result in a loss of potency and flavour. Bubble hash should be stored in a cool, dark place with limited airflow to maintain its quality. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your bubble hash is dried and cured to perfection.

Storing your bubble hash, correctly:

Now that you have dried your bubble hash properly, you may want to focus on how to store it correctly so that when you need to use it, it is as fresh as possible and in the most optimal condition.

Hash needs to be kept dry, cool, and in a dark place with limited airflow if you want it to survive a little longer than environmental conditions may allow. The preferred option is a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. If you’re preserving it in a container made up of glass, take caution to keep it out of the sunlight since it can expedite its deterioration and brittleness.

Conclusion: 

The drying procedure for the hash must be thorough and shouldn’t be hurried. Poor drying techniques can result in mold problems, rendering the hash useless. With the use of sublimation and suction, a freeze dryer’s technique removes moisture from a wet batch of hash, swiftly and fully drying it. Therefore, moisture must gradually drain away when drying by air. When bubble hash is left in the air, evaporation takes place over some time. Once the bubble hash has been dried properly, it needs to be stored safely in a closed container, away from direct light, in a dry, cool place to make it last longer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How long should I dry bubble hash?

Air drying takes 48 hours to a week; freeze drying takes around 24 hours.

Can you dry bubble hash?

Yes. Air drying and using a freeze drier are two methods.

Is bubble hash as good as regular hash?

A solventless extract, bubble hash makes no use of additional chemicals. The small bubbles that develop when it is warmed are what gave it its name. One of the most fragrant and flavorful isolates, bubble hash has low temperatures employed during separation to maintain the majority of the terpenes, and its THC content range is 30-60%.

Can I dry my bubble hash in the fridge?

Yes, it is possible to dry bubble hash in a standard fridge, but it could be challenging to maintain the right humidity and temperature levels.

What colour should my bubble hash be?

After the drying procedure, the bubble hash usually assumes a golden-yellow colour.

What is the best grade of bubble hash?

Six star, or “full melt,” is the purest form of bubble hash, leaving little to no trace when vaporized to attest to its quality.

What does a good bubble hash look like?

Cannabis trichome heads, the spherical resin glands that impart cannabis flowers their crystal-like, sugary appearance, are the main component of bubble hash. The hues of these heads vary from clear to amber, but they are never greenish.

What’s a good bubble hash yield?

Be on the lookout for a 3-8% yield of bubble hash in fresh frozen cannabis. 15-20% yield is a fair objective for the bubble hash yield for dried cannabis plants.

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