Cannabis growers have struggled with the hang-to-dry method of drying their cannabis. While it is effective, it also has its downsides. For example, if the cannabis isn't hung correctly, it can develop mold and rot. Moreover, hanging the plants requires time and effort. Curing may take two to three weeks, but four to eight weeks of cure time will result in much greater improvement. It sounds time-consuming, doe sn't it? Besides that, it takes up a lot of space.
This is why many growers are turning to freeze-drying as a more efficient alternative. It can dry and cure your cannabis in just 1-2 days, and it takes up very little space. Aside from that, freeze-drying keeps the same freshness, look, nutritional content, and efficacy as when it was new.
Using a freeze dryer, growers can preserve the flavor, potency, and texture of their cannabis in a fraction of the time. This groundbreaking technology offers a game-changing option for those who demand the highest quality dried cannabis.
Table of Contents
- But What is Freeze Drying?
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Freeze Dryer for Cannabis Preservation
- What is a Harvest Right Freeze Dryer?
- How to Freeze Dry Cannabis Using Harvest Right Freeze Dryer
- Tips On Using Freeze-Dryer for Cannabis Preservation
- Wrapping Up
- Frequently Asked Questions About Freeze Drying Cannabis Using Harvest Right Freeze Dryers
But What is Freeze Drying?
Freeze drying, also known as lyophilization, is a process that removes water from consumable substances in order to extend their shelf life and/or prepare them for travel. The process of freeze drying involves freezing the material, then lowering the pressure and adding heat to allow the frozen water in the material to directly transform into a vapor (sublimate).
Freeze drying occurs in three phases: freezing, primary drying (sublimation), and secondary drying (desorption).
Freeze-dried food can be kept without refrigeration for up to 25 years. Freeze drying is very useful for survival purposes and can be used to preserve a wide range of foods, including meats, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, such as cheese and milk, and even some prepared foods. Also, it can be used to preserve herbs like cannabis.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Freeze Dryer for Cannabis Preservation
Freeze drying cannabis is one of the best ways to preserve your bud. By using a freeze dryer, you can keep your cannabis completely free of moisture. Freeze drying is one of the best ways to preserve cannabis because it prevents the plant from losing any of its valuable terpenes or cannabinoids.
However, let's talk about its advantages and risks to help you decide whether this is the right preservation method for your cannabis.
- Retains greater levels of THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, and CBC than other drying techniques.
- Prevents mold and insect contamination.
- Has a very clean procedure. The chambers, shelving, and trays are made of stainless steel that is food and pharmaceutical grade.
- During the process, cannabis is kept in a vacuum-sealed container. This offers both odor control and protection.
- Obtain consistent results.
- It only takes 24 to 36 hours to dry and cure.
- Cannabis that has not been freeze-dried properly will be over-dried, resulting in decreased aroma and flavor (terpenes) and a quicker, hotter burn.
- Freeze-drying can be expensive and have high energy-consumption.
What is a Harvest Right Freeze Dryer?
- 7x faster than air drying
- Freeze drying process is automatic
- They are optimized for drying herbs and extracts.
- Able to handle large batches of cannabis.
- Made of stainless steel.
- Maintain an ideal drying temperature for preserving cannabis.
The Harvest Right Freeze Dryer is a freeze drying system that features a user-friendly interface with real-time readings of temperature and pressure, as well as full control over temperature and pressure.
With this freeze-dryer, you can dry up to 1 to 2 gallons of cannabis at a time. The insulator pad will keep your product safe from external forces like temperature fluctuations or air currents that could cause damage during the drying process.
The Harvest Right Freeze Dryer comes with everything you need to start drying cannabis: a commercial oil-free pump for easy extraction, four stainless steel trays for holding your product, an insulator pad for keeping your product safe from external forces during the drying process, plus a three-year warranty from Harvest Right.
How to Freeze Dry Cannabis Using Harvest Right Freeze Dryer
To get the best results when storing cannabis with a Harvest Right Freeze Dryer, it's important to prepare properly. You need to keep an eye on the settings and make adjustments based on the type of strain and how much you're drying at once.
The
drying time usually takes about 20–40 hours, but this can change depending on how wet or compact the material is.
Step 1: Prepare Cannabis for Freeze Drying
After harvesting, carefully trim the fresh cannabis buds and place them loosely into freezer-safe containers or vacuum-sealed bags. It's important to avoid overcrowding to ensure efficient freeze-drying. Place these containers or bags in a regular freezer for 24 to 72 hours. This pre-freezing is essential for preserving the buds' structure, color, and delicate compounds like terpenes during the freeze-drying process, resulting in a superior final product..
Step 2: Primary Drying
The goal of the primary drying stage is to remove as much water as possible in the solid, or “frozen,” state. This process happens under vacuum at around -30 °C to -40 °C. The vacuum pump will suck up the water from the product.
Step 3: Secondary Drying
Once the primary drying is complete, the freeze dryer gradually heats up, causing the leftover water to change from solid to vapor in a process known as “sublimation.” This occurs at higher vacuum levels and temperatures ranging from 0 °C to 10 °C for several hours.
This process helps gets rid of any leftover moisture in the cannabis without harming its protein, fat, and other important compounds.
The end product is cannabis that feels crisp and dry, with a moisture content of less than 5%.
Step 4: Store Freeze-Dried Cannabis
After freeze-drying, store your cannabis in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This will help preserve its potency and quality for longer periods. Avoid exposure to light, heat, and humidity, as these factors can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes.
Tips On Using Freeze-Dryer for Cannabis Preservation
To make the best use of your freeze dryer for cannabis preservation, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a high-quality freeze dryer to ensure that you get the best results from your cannabis.
- Go for a low 75 degree temperature setting because cannabis has trichomes which can be damaged at higher temperatures.
- Once you have finished, remove the cannabis from the chamber and store it in polybags if you want to be able to use it for at least three months, but store it in cans if you intend on keeping the product for 25 years or more.
- Don't try to rush the process by using less time than recommended or by increasing the temperature too much--you'll end up with an inferior product!
Wrapping Up
Cannabis industry has been growing by leaps and bounds over the past few years, and it's easy to see why.
With more states legalizing cannabis for medical or recreational use, or both, there's a lot of potential for profit in this industry. That’s why the Harvest Right Freeze Dryer is a great investment for your cannabis preserving needs.
With its high-quality construction and easy to use features, you'll be able to enjoy your dried flowers longer! Plus, you can also freeze dry your foods and herbs for later use, which is a great way to save money and preserve freshness.
Have you ever tried cannabis that was freeze-dried? Come on over and let us know!
Read more about cannabis here:
- Cannabis Nutrients 101: What You Need to Know
- How to: Commercially Cure Cannabis in 24 Hours Using a Freeze Dryer
- The Comprehensive Guide to Cannabis Concentrates: Types, Uses, and How to Choose
- How to Properly Harvest Cannabis
- Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis Terpenes
- How to Prepare For Your Next Cannabis Harvest
- How Does the Grow Light Spectrum Influence Cannabis Growth?
- Cannabis Waste Disposal for Producers: What You Need to Know
- A Definitive Guide to Drying and Curing Cannabis Buds
Frequently Asked Questions About Freeze Drying Cannabis Using Harvest Right Freeze Dryers
- ◄What is freeze drying, and how does it differ from traditional drying methods?
- Freeze drying is a process that removes water from a product by sublimating it (turning ice directly into vapor) under a vacuum. Unlike traditional drying methods, which can degrade the product's quality, freeze drying preserves the plant's terpenes, cannabinoids, and overall potency.
- ◄Why is freeze drying a preferred method for preserving cannabis?
- Freeze drying helps maintain the potency, flavor, and aroma of cannabis by preventing the degradation of cannabinoids and terpenes.
- ◄What are the key components of a Harvest Right freeze dryer that make it suitable for cannabis preservation?
- Harvest Right freeze dryers typically feature a vacuum chamber, a condenser, and a heating element. These components work together to create the ideal conditions for freeze drying, ensuring that the cannabis is preserved effectively.
- ◄What is the optimal temperature for freeze drying cannabis?
- The ideal temperature for freeze drying cannabis is generally around -40°F. This helps to prevent the formation of large ice crystals, which can damage the plant material.
- ◄Can I freeze dry cannabis buds and trim simultaneously?
- Yes, you can freeze dry both buds and trim together. However, it's important to ensure that they are evenly distributed on the drying trays to prevent uneven drying.
- ◄What is the shelf life of freeze-dried cannabis?
- When stored properly, freeze-dried cannabis can have a shelf life of up to several years. However, the exact shelf life may vary depending on factors such as storage conditions and the quality of the freeze-drying process.
- ◄Can freeze-dried cannabis be used for topical applications?
- Yes, freeze-dried cannabis can be used to create topical products, such as salves or creams.
- ◄What are the benefits of using a Harvest Right freeze dryer for cannabis preservation?
- Using a Harvest Right freeze dryer can help you preserve the potency, flavor, and aroma of your cannabis. It can also extend its shelf life and reduce the risk of mold and mildew.
- ◄How often should I clean and maintain my Harvest Right freeze dryer?
- Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for optimal performance and longevity. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and maintenance schedules.
