Who doesn’t love bubble hash? It’s solvent-free, and it’s packed with flavors and potency. Extracting it is also hard to mess up, which makes it one of the better extracts, process-wise. Considering the benefits of bubble hash, it also needs some patience from the end user because you need to dry it before you can use it, unlike other extracts.
One doesn’t just lay out the extracted bubble hash to dry. While it will work, you want to maximize the drying time efficiently. You want the bubble hash to dry properly so it won’t develop molds and fungi that can ruin your extracts. Drying bubble hash is a long process you want to maximize for the best results.
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Why You Need to Dry Bubble Hash
After extraction, bubble hash is saturated with water. While water plays a crucial role in the process, it becomes a hurdle for using and storing the final product.
Wet hash can't be smoked, pressed into rosin, or stored for long periods. This is especially true for long-term storage methods like Temple Balls, which require completely dry hash.
Drying removes this excess moisture, ensuring a high-quality final product. In short, drying is a vital step after ice water extraction to transform wet hash into a usable and storable product.
Setting the Environment for Drying Bubble Hash
Cold rooms work best for air-drying bubble hash. Ideally, a room with air conditioning and humidity control will allow you to dry your bubble hash properly.
Wine coolers also work as long as you can control the temperature and humidity. Your last resort will be a standard home refrigerator, although this option can add other scents or odors to your bubble hash.
There are various ways to dry bubble hash. If you opt for air drying, you must set up the environment necessary for the bubble hash.
Two Ways to Grind the Bubble Hash
You can grind bubble hash in two ways: using a microplane or sieve; both are easily obtainable kitchen tools. Both provide remarkable results for your bubble hash.
Using a Microplane
Freeze the Microplane before grinding your bubble hash so that you have a cold surface that will maintain the hardness of the bubble hash to grind correctly. Grind the bubble hash slowly on the Microplane.
You want to avoid going too fast, as the friction created can heat the bubble hash, making it harder to process. Continue passing the bubble hash on the Microplane until everything has passed through the Microplane.
Using a Sieve
A sieve offers a more gentle way of grinding your bubble hash, although this would be slower than the Microplane. Rub the frozen bubble hash in the bowl structure when using a sieve, which will then fall onto your parchment paper surface.
Do this while moving the sieve across the parchment paper surface to ensure an even spread.
3 Best Techniques to Dry Bubble Hash
1. Air Drying the Bubble Hash
Air drying is a simple method for drying bubble hash. It involves spreading the wet hash out thinly on a large surface, like a pizza box lined with parchment paper. A cool environment and cold equipment are ideal for this process.
Here's what you'll need:
- A large piece of cardboard
- Sieve or microplane (sieve is gentler on the hash)
- Parchment paper
- Freezer
- Cool, dark room with low humidity
- Wet bubble hash
Step 1: Freeze Then Grind the Bubble Hash
Before drying, the extracted bubble hash is patted on a 15 or 25-micron screen to remove water, then frozen for 24 hours.
Once frozen solid, the bubble hash is broken apart to make the drying more efficient. Grind your bubble hash using any of the methods listed above. This part is critical, as any moisture left behind can grow molds.
Step 2: Put Bubble Hash on Parchment Paper
Put them on a layer of parchment paper, then add a sheet of cardboard under the parchment paper to absorb the moisture from under.
Ensure that the ground bubble hash is spread on a thin and even layer so that they dry consistently. Try laying them as thin as a quarter-inch or less to dry faster.
Step 3: Wait for the Hash to Dry
The drying time can range from a week or two, depending on how thin you spread the bubble hash and the environment for air drying. That is why ensuring a proper environment with the right amount of humidity and temperature is essential.
2. Freeze Drying Bubble Hash
For those fortunate enough to access a freeze dryer, you can use it to dry bubble hash faster. Depending on your freeze dryer, the drying process can take anywhere from 24 – 36 hours.
Freeze drying bubble hash is faster and more efficient than air drying, but requires specialized equipment.
Step 1: Prepping the Hash
Form the freshly extracted hash into patties with similar shapes and thicknesses to ensure uniform drying. The thickness should be at most a quarter inch.
Similar to air drying, you'll want to start by freezing your wet hash. Place the hash on parchment paper and put it in the freezer for a minimum of 12 hours. This solidifies the trichomes and makes them easier to handle.
Step 2: Crumbling the Hash (Optional)
While the hash freezes, you can optionally break it up further using a sieve or microplane. This increases the surface area and accelerates the drying process. However, be gentle to minimize damage to the delicate trichomes.
Step 3: Loading the Freeze Dryer
Once frozen, place your hash on the freeze dryer trays lined with parchment paper. Spread it out evenly in a thin layer to ensure optimal airflow.
Step 4: Freeze Drying Process
Follow your freeze dryer's specific instructions for operation. Set the freeze dryer between 30 - 35 degrees Fahrenheit and let it do the rest.
Step 5: Curing (Optional)
Once the freeze dryer indicates the cycle is complete, remove the dry hash. While technically dry at this point, some recommend a short curing period in an airtight container at room temperature to allow the flavors to mature.
3. Using a Buchner Funnel
The Buchner Funnel technique is a hybrid drying system for bubble hash. It combines some characteristics of air drying and freeze-drying. Using a sealed funnel, it uses a vacuum to pull the moisture from the bubble hash.
This method can be done in three easy steps:
- Using a Buchner funnel entails you to line the base of the funnel with a 25-micron sheet of parchment paper and let the wet bubble hash sit on it.
- Cover the funnel’s mouth with foil or cloth to create a seal, then puncture a small hole on top.
- Activate the funnel and let it vacuum the water from the bubble hash. Depending on the quantity, this process can take up to eight hours, then let it air dry for another 24 hours before it becomes usable for smoking.
How to Check If Bubble Hash is Dry
Dried bubble hash will have a crumbly texture and should feel dry when touched. In some cases, bubble hash may have a greasy texture, but this is only for particular strains. Hence, you must check the strain’s characteristics to anticipate this texture.
You can break some bubble hash and press a small amount between your fingers to check if it has thoroughly dried. If moisture is escaping when pressed, it needs to be dried more.
If the strain is greasy, this should not happen. While you can dry your bubble hash longer, excess drying can compromise terpene amounts and even increase oxidation. It would be best to assess things before deciding to extend drying periods. Once you don’t feel moisture, that should be good enough.
Storing the Bubble Hash
Storing your bubble hash properly is just as essential. You want to preserve its quality for a long time to have a good stash whenever you need it. The ideal place for storing bubble hash should be cold, dark, and dry with minimal ventilation. Any container that creates a tight seal should suffice. Glass containers will work as long as you keep them away from exposure to sunlight.
Choosing the Right Drying Method
When it comes to drying bubble hash, two main methods dominate the scene: air drying and freeze drying. But which one is right for you? Here's a breakdown to help you decide:
Both air drying and freeze drying have their advantages for drying bubble hash. The key is to choose the method that best aligns with your production scale, desired product quality, and available resources.
Ultimately, whether you choose the traditional air drying technique or the modern efficiency of freeze drying, the goal remains the same — creating top-notch bubble hash that impresses cannabis connoisseurs with its texture, aroma, and potency.
Final Thoughts
Drying bubble hash can be smooth, provided you employ the proper techniques. Even without a freeze dryer, you can easily conquer this method to enjoy good old extract sans the solvents. It takes practice to get it right but provided that you understand the process and why you need specific steps, you will get good quality bubble hash faster.
Read more about bubble hash here:
- How to Make Bubble Hash with Bubble Hash Bags
- Bubble Hash: The Definitive Guide
- Why Freeze Dryers Make the Best Bubble Hash
- Best Settings for Bubble Hash on Harvest Right Freeze Dryers
- What Is Live Rosin And How To Make Live Rosin
- Triminator the Maker: Making Bubble Hash Faster, Easier
Frequently Asked Questions
- ◄What are the Advantages of Freeze Drying?
-
- Faster drying time (typically 24-48 hours)
- Preserves flavor and terpenes for a more potent and flavorful hash
- Longer shelf life due to minimal moisture
- ◄Can I Cure Bubble Hash After Drying?
- Yes, curing can further enhance the flavor and texture of your hash. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few weeks to allow the flavors to mature.
- ◄How Long Does Bubble Hash Typically Last?
- Properly dried and stored bubble hash can last for several months, with freeze-dried hash having a longer shelf life due to lower moisture content.
- ◄Is bubble hash better than regular hash?
- There's no single answer! Bubble hash is known for its high quality. The cold water extraction process is believed to preserve more terpenes (aromatic compounds) and other desirable elements, potentially leading to a more potent and flavorful product. However, some people prefer the taste and potency of traditional hash made with dry sifting or other methods. Ultimately, it boils down to personal preference!
- ◄Can I dry bubble hash in the fridge?
- While it might seem convenient, drying bubble hash (or any hash) in the fridge isn't recommended. Here's why:
- Fridges tend to be too humid, hindering proper drying.
- Fridge circulation might not be enough for efficient drying.
- Fridge temperatures can change, making drying less consistent and potentially affecting the final product.
- ◄What color should my bubble hash be?
- Bubble hash can come in various shades, from light yellow to dark brown. The exact color depends on the cannabis strain and quality used.
- ◄Is bubble hash safe to consume?
- Bubble hash, like any cannabis concentrate, should be consumed responsibly. Because it's often more potent than flower, start with a low dose and gradually increase until you achieve the desired effect. As with all cannabis products, ensure you obtain bubble hash from a reputable source if consuming recreationally or medically.
- ◄Can I use a food dehydrator to dry bubble hash?
- Food dehydrators can technically be used for bubble hash, but caution is advised. Many dehydrators have higher temperature settings than ideal for bubble hash drying. Excessive heat can damage delicate terpenes and cannabinoids, reducing potency and flavor.
- ◄What happens if my bubble hash molds?
- Mold can grow on bubble hash if not dried properly. Unfortunately, moldy hash is unsafe to consume and should be discarded. To prevent mold, ensure proper drying conditions with low humidity and good air circulation. Regularly monitor your hash during the drying process.
- ◄What should the humidity be for drying bubble hash?
- In ideal conditions, the humidity for drying bubble hash should be around 35%. This low humidity level helps ensure the hash dries thoroughly and efficiently, minimizing the risk of mold growth and preserving the quality of the product.
