The #7 Top Tips for Drying

The 7 most important points for gentle drying – The key to perfect quality

Drying hemp is a crucial step in the cultivation process that significantly affects the quality, aroma and effects of the final product. Whether you use a closed system with climate control or an open system like a grow tent has a big impact on the result. In this blog post, I’ll explain how to dry hemp properly and gently, which values are ideal and why the choice of drying system is so important. I’ll also go over the effects on the terpene profile and taste.

1. Why is drying so important?

Drying hemp is a process that removes excess moisture from the flowers without destroying the valuable ingredients. This step is crucial to prevent mold growth and maintain the quality of the flowers.

What happens during drying?
As they dry, the water in the flowers evaporates, causing them to lose weight. At the same time, chemical processes take place in which chlorophyll is broken down. This degradation is important to reduce the unwanted “grassy” taste and release the full aroma of the terpenes.

2. Preparation of the plants

Before you start drying, it’s important to prepare the plants properly. Here are the main steps:

a) Flushing
Flushing is the process of rinsing the plants with plain water before harvesting to remove excess nutrients from the substrate.

Why is flushing important?
Flushing flushes excess salts and nutrients out of the roots and flowers. This improves the taste and prevents an unpleasant chemical aroma in the final product.

How do you perform flushing?

• Start flushing 1-2 weeks before harvest.
• Water the plants with plain water (pH 6.0-6.5).
• Repeat the process until the drain water runs clear.

b) Cutting the plants
There are two main methods to prepare the plants for drying:

1. Cut off the whole plant

• Cut off the entire plant at the base.

This method is ideal if you prefer slow, even drying.

2. Cut off individual flowers

• Cut only the flowers from the branches.

This method is faster and more suitable for smaller quantities.

Which method is better?
It depends on your preferences and the amount of plants. Cutting off the entire plant will result in slower drying, which can improve the quality and aroma. Cutting off individual flowers is faster, but requires more attention to ensure even drying.

3. Ideal conditions for drying

In order to dry hemp gently, certain conditions must be observed. Here are the most important factors:

a) Temperature
The ideal temperature is between 15°C and 21°C. If the temperature is too high, the terpenes will evaporate, resulting in a loss of aroma. If the temperature is too low, the drying process will take longer, which increases the risk of mold growth.

b) Humidity
The relative humidity (RH) should be between 45% and 55%. Too much humidity will encourage mold, while too low humidity will cause the flowers to dry out too quickly, resulting in a harsh and less aromatic final product.

c) Air circulation
Gentle air circulation is important to remove moisture evenly and prevent mold growth. However, the air movement should not be too strong, as this can dry out the flowers and destroy terpenes.

d) Darkness
Hemp should always be dried in the dark, as light can break down the cannabinoids and terpenes. UV radiation is particularly harmful and can significantly affect the quality of the flowers.

4. Closed Systems vs. Open Systems

The choice of drying system has a great influence on the result. Here we compare closed systems with climate control and open systems such as grow tents.

a) Closed systems with climate control
A closed system is an autonomous drying system equipped with climate control technology. It allows precise control of temperature, humidity and air circulation.

Advantages:

• Precise control: You can set the ideal conditions exactly and keep them constant.
• Protection against external influences: Closed systems are independent of the conditions in the installation room.
• Optimal terpene preservation: Due to the controlled environment, the terpenes and aroma are better preserved.

Disadvantages:

• Cost: Closed systems are more expensive to buy.
• Energy consumption: The climate control technology consumes electricity.

b) Open systems (grow tents)
An open system such as a grow tent is dependent on the conditions in the installation room. It does not offer automatic climate control, but uses the ambient air.

Advantages:

• Cheap: Grow tents are cheaper to buy.
• Easy to use: No complex technology required.

Disadvantages:

• Dependence on the environment: Drying conditions can fluctuate, which affects quality.
• Risk of mold and pests: Without climate control, the risk is higher.
• Loss of terpenes: Uncontrolled conditions can lead to a loss of aroma and flavor.

5. Effects on the terpene profile and taste

Terpenes are volatile organic compounds that are responsible for the aroma and taste of hemp. However, they are sensitive to heat, light and air.

Why is gentle drying important for terpenes?
When drying, terpenes evaporate at too high temperatures or too much air circulation. A gentle drying process at low temperatures and controlled humidity helps to preserve the terpenes and preserve the full aroma of the flowers.

Which terpenes are particularly sensitive?

• Myrcene: Gives hemp an earthy, musky aroma.
• Linalool: Responsible for floral and citrusy notes.
• Limonene: Gives hemp a fresh, lemony aroma.

These terpenes evaporate at relatively low temperatures (around 21°C), which is why controlled drying is essential.

6. Step-by-step instructions for gentle drying

Here is a detailed guide on how to dry hemp properly and gently:

Step 1: Harvest and preparation

• Carefully cut the flowers off the plant.
• Remove large leaves, but leave the small sugar leaves on the flowers to protect the aroma.

Step 2: Hanging the flowers

• Hang the flowers upside down in a dark room or drying box.
• Make sure that the flowers don’t hang too close together to ensure good air circulation.

Step 3: Check the conditions

• Monitor temperature and humidity with a hygrometer and thermometer.
• Adjust conditions as needed (e.g., with a dehumidifier or fan).

Step 4: Duration of drying

• The drying process usually takes 7 to 14 days.
• The flowers are finished drying when the stems break instead of bending.

Step 5: Curing

• Store the dried flowers in airtight jars in a dark place.
• Open the jars for a few minutes every day to drain excess moisture.
• It takes 2 to 4 weeks to cure and improves taste and effect.

7. Conclusion

Gently drying hemp is a crucial step in maintaining the quality, aroma and effect of the flowers. Whether you use a closed system with climate control or an open system like a grow tent has a big impact on the result.

Closed systems provide precise control of conditions and are ideal for preserving terpenes and flavor. Open systems are more cost-effective, but require more attention to avoid mold growth and terpene loss.

No matter which system you choose, make sure you use the right temperature, humidity, and darkness to get the most out of your hemp. With patience and care, you will be rewarded with high-quality, aromatic flowers.

With this knowledge, you are well equipped to dry your hemp properly and gently. Good luck and enjoy the result of your hard work!