Correct harvesting and post-treatment determine the final quality. Timing, techniques and drying for perfect buds.
Post-harvest treatment is crucial for the final quality:
**Harvest preparation:**
*48h dark phase (optional):*
- Controversial technique
- Should increase trichome production
- Complete darkness
- Normal temperatures
- Weigh up risk vs. benefit
*Tool preparation:*
- Sharp trimming shears
- Various sizes
- Isopropanol for cleaning
- Nitrile gloves
- Collecting container for trim
*Workplace setup:*
- Clean, well ventilated room
- Adequate lighting
- Comfortable working height
- Trim trays or nets
- Entertainment for long sessions
**Harvesting techniques:**
*Whole plant vs. branches:*
- Whole plant: Easier, slower drying
- Individual branches: more control, faster drying
- Depending on space and conditions
- Consider the size of the flowers
- Logistics considerations
*Cutting technique:*
- Clean, straight cuts
- Cut branches into manageable lengths
- Remove large fan leaves
- Use stems as suspension
- Do not damage flowers
**Trimming methods:**
*Wet trimming:*
- Immediately after harvest
- Easier to cut
- Faster processing
- Less resin loss
- Faster drying
*Dry trimming (dry):*
- Trimming after drying
- Slower, gentler drying
- Better terpene profile
- More labour intensive
- Traditional method
*Trimming stages:*
- Rough Trim: Rough removal
- Detail Trim: Fine work
- Manicuring: Perfection
- Sugar Leaves: Leave or remove
- Personal preferences
**Drying environment:**
*Ideal conditions:*
- Temperature: 18-22°C
- Humidity: 45-55%
- Good air circulation
- Darkness
- Clean environment
*Drying room setup:*
- Suspended room
- Fans for air movement
- Hygrometer for monitoring
- Dehumidification if necessary
- Activated carbon filter for odour
*Hanging methods:*
- Clothes horse
- Nets or racks
- Tensioned cords
- Special drying racks
- Sufficient space between flowers
**Drying process:**
*Day 1-3:*
- Outer leaves become dry
- No major changes
- Keep conditions stable
- Check daily
- Ensure air circulation
*Day 4-7:*
- Smaller branches become brittle
- Larger stems still pliable
- Flowers feel dry to the touch
- Terpene development important
- Be careful not to dry too quickly
*Day 7-14:*
- Larger branches become brittle
- "Snap test": branches break cleanly
- Dry on the outside, still moist on the inside
- Ready for curing
- Quality control
**Quality control:**
*Snap Test:*
- Break small branches cleanly
- Not only bending
- Shows optimal dryness
- Timing for curing
- Reliable indicator
*Moisture check:*
- Flowers feel dry to the touch
- No spongy texture
- Outer layer crispy
- Core moisture still present
- Balance important
*Mould inspection:*
- Check particularly dense blossoms
- Check the interior
- Identify discolouration
- Remove suspicious areas
- Prevention more important than treatment
**Frequent drying errors
The best time to harvest is when 70–90% of the trichomes are milky white and some are turning amber. This indicates that the cannabinoid levels have reached their peak.
Carefully trim the buds by removing the leaves around the flowers with sharp scissors to maintain their shape and improve their quality. Be careful not to remove too much material so as to preserve their potency and flavor.
The buds should be dried in a well-ventilated room at 18–21°C and 50–60% humidity for 7–14 days, until they are dry on the outside but still slightly moist on the inside.
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