What is Ice Water Hash?
Lets explore the answer to this question in this article called Ice Water Hash: A beginner’s guide
- Ice water hash is a type of cannabis concentrate.
- It’s made by agitating cannabis in ice water.
- This separates the resin glands (trichomes) from the plant material.
- The trichomes are then filtered through mesh bags of varying sizes.
- The result is a potent, solventless concentrate with a rich flavor profile.
What goes into Ice Water hash?
You can use any part of the cannabis plant containing resin glands – leaves, trim, and buds – to make ice water hash. While trim is often used, high-quality hash requires starting with top-tier material, like fresh frozen buds.
The Importance of cold temperatures
Cold temperatures are crucial for successful ice water hash extraction.
- Brittle trichomes: Low temperatures (around 4°C) keep the resin glands brittle, ensuring they snap off easily during agitation.
- Terpene preservation: Cold temperatures help preserve the delicate terpenes, resulting in hash with a truer flavor profile.
The extraction process
- Agitation: Gently agitate the plant material in ice water to dislodge the resin glands.
- Separation: The denser resin glands sink to the bottom of the container, while the plant material floats.
- Filtration: Use a series of fine mesh bags to filter and collect the resin glands based on size.
Drying your hash
Proper drying is essential to prevent mold and “sugaring” (a grainy texture caused by trapped moisture).
- Drying methods:
- Freeze the collected resin.
- Spread the resin thinly on a wicking surface (like cardboard) over a desiccant.
- Avoid humidity: Store the dried hash in a cool, dry, and dark place.
Preparing your material
- Handle with Care: Treat the cannabis gently to minimize gland loss.
- Remove Stems and Large Leaves: Remove large stems and fan leaves before extraction.
- Coarse Chop: Coarsely chop the material to facilitate agitation and prevent clogging the filtration bags.
Factors affecting hash quality
- Plant Material: The quality of the starting material significantly impacts the final product.
- Filtration: The quality and size of the micron filter bags play a crucial role in determining the purity and size of the collected resin.
- Technique: Proper technique, patience, and proficiency contribute to the overall quality.
Conclusion
Ice water hash offers a solvent-free method for extracting high-quality cannabis concentrates. By following these guidelines and paying close attention to temperature, agitation, and drying, you can produce exceptional hash at home.
To find out more on the creation of fine hash follow our blog posts: https://www.fullmeltfiltration.com/blr9