My friend Jonathan (botanichemist on IG) recently posted about microplaning bubble hash for drying. Freeze dryers are the best way to dry ice hash because they minimize oxygen exposure. In the absence of a freeze dryer there is the micro-planing method for drying hash
NOTE: after testing I have found that just drying the hash on the screens below gives a similar, if not same quality, end product without all the work of microplaning frozen hash. Perhaps in Florida where Jon lives and humidity is through the roof this makes sense, in Canada I don’t think this is necessary except maybe in the summer.
Items required:
- Microplaner
- 25u screens (any brand works fine)
- Bubble hash
- Pins
- Paper (regular 8×11 printer paper)
- Cardboard
Bubble hash coming out of ice water extraction will be soaking wet. For this tek it is best to strain the bubble as much as possible before collecting. For freeze drying it actually helps to leave the hash a bit more wet so that it distributes more evenly on the trays.
Setup the collection plates as follows. Cardboard > Paper > 25u screen. Use pins to stretch the 25u screens out and keep them from sliding around. This is the surface that will be used to dry the bubble hash.
After completing your wash cycles use a collection spoon to transfer wet hash onto 25u screens resting on top of paper towel or a lint free textile. The hash should be moist enough to form small patties that are ½” thick.
Freeze the hash patties overnight. When fully frozen they will come cleanly off the 25u screens Try not to break them up into smaller pieces while removing from the screen. Unpin the screen and get underneath them to remove cleanly.
Microplane the hash chunks onto parment paper lined plates. Use gloves and keep your hands cold. I did the microplaning in my freezer to help keep everything cold.
The hash should be agitated every 6-12 hours if possible. My hash was dry in one day but this may take up to a few days depending on quantity, air flow and ambient conditions in your dry room.
The hash will turn brown after drying. This is due to oxidation, there is no way to prevent this without the use of a freeze dryer.
If your hash is made with fresh material it will be stickier due to a higher terpene content. At this point you can store in the freezer until ready to press into rosin or simply form into a sticky ball that can be used to roll hash joints. If you are dabbing it I would recommend pressing to pruify further and help keep your bowl clean. If you are planning on smoking it just use as is.
Hard to tell from the picture but this is better black hash than anything you will ever get on the streets. The sheen on the hash is from the terpenes, which are typically non-existent in traditional black hash. Store in an airtight glass container in the fridge for optimal freshness.
Silicone containers should not be used as terpenes are volatile enough to permeate through the porous structure of silicone. If you use good quality input material this black hash will make the most delicious full melt donut you’ll ever smoke.
Honestly I am not sure if this methods offers many advantages over just drying on the screen. The drying does occur much more quickly but there is increased surface exposure for oxidation. It certainly does keep your 25u screen much cleaner than drying on it. Try it out and let me know what you think!
