Harvesting, trimming and drying: preserving quality

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