The Complete Guide: How To Use Harvest Right Freeze Dryer

Complete Guide To Using A Harvest Right Freeze Dryer For Perfect Hash Preservation

When using a harvest right freeze dryer, you need some supplies and equipment, which include a harvest right freeze dryer, vacuum pump, cooling system, digital scale, trays, storage containers, and hash. Now let’s get into learning how to use Harvest Right Freeze Dryer…

Once you have all the supplies, you can start putting hash into a harvest right freeze dryer with some critical steps. Read on as our guide goes in-depth on using a freeze dryer for hash. 

What A Freeze Dryer Is For Hash Production?

A freeze dryer, also known as a lyophilizer, is a system used to remove water from perishable materials through a process called lyophilization. This low-temperature dehydration method works by first freezing the material, and then reducing the surrounding pressure, allowing the ice to sublimate directly from solid to gas without passing through a liquid phase.

In the context of hash production, freeze drying is valuable since it helps preserve the delicate terpenes and cannabinoids that contribute to the flavor, aroma, and potency of the final product. When producing hash, a freeze dryer ensures that the product retains its quality by removing moisture without exposing the hash to heat, which could degrade these sensitive compounds.

Freeze drying is a solventless extraction process, crucial for maintaining the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. Proper drying of hash is also essential to ensuring that the end product is potent, flavorful, and free from contaminants like mold or mildew.

For cultivators and growers, using a freeze dryer in hash production guarantees a consistent, high-quality product, preserving the compounds that make hash desirable. This method allows for efficient moisture removal and offers a better alternative to traditional air-drying hash methods, which can lead to uneven results and compromised quality.

Why It Is Important To Properly Dry Hash

Without establishing a proper process to dry hash, terpenes and cannabinoids can be lost. By properly drying hash, you can enhance the quality and longevity. It’s important to properly dry hash for the following reasons: 

Preserved Potency

Drying hash accurately preserves the highest potency possible leading to a better product. It’s the best way to produce hash without having to sacrifice potency. 

Retaining Terpenes

Hash dried retains the flavor and aroma resulting in a smoother experience when using hash for recreational use. A low-temperature environment of drying hash retains the terpenes that deliver a flavorful and aromatic product. The process allows the hash to have minimal degradation of terpenes. 

Extended Shelf Life 

The hash also has an extended longer shelf-life, minimizing the growth of unnecessary bacteria and mold. As freeze drying is complete, the hash can have less spoilage and degradation. This produces a final product with all the essential compounds that can last a long time on the shelf when stored properly. 

Enhanced Consistency And Quality 

As the drying process takes place, water is removed evenly and efficiently from the hash, resulting in a consistent and quality product. The method is better suited to other traditional methods of air drying, which can lead to uneven drying and more moisture in the hash, which compromises quality. Freeze drying hash eliminates the risk of delivering an inconsistent and uneven product. 

Step By Step Guide On How To Use Harvest Right Freeze Dryer

Now you know why it’s necessary to dry hash properly, it’s time to understand how to use a freeze dryer to get the most potent and highest-quality hash. 

Step 1: Find A Spot For Freeze Drying

Find a prime location spot: Find a good location to set up the freeze dryer or where you have space to start making hash. 

Step 2: Prep The Bubble Hash

Prep the bubble hash beforehand by pushing it through screens or a mesh bag. This process reduces moisture, making it ideal for freeze drying bubble hash at peak state. 

Step 3: Use The Harvest Right System

Turn on and operate the harvest right system. Then set the time and temperature to the right setting. Review the manufacturer’s guidelines for determining the time and temperature of bubble hash. This is often in the range of -40°F (-40°C) for the freezing process.

Step 4: Fill Your Vacuum Pump

Next, is to turn on your freeze dryer and begin filling your vacuum pump. Make sure it’s properly filled with oil. Regularly check and replace the oil to prevent contamination. For oil-free pumps, make sure it’s maintained. 

Step 5: Attach The Hose To The Freeze Dryer

Start attaching the vacuum hose to the freeze dryer securely. All seals and connections must be tight to prevent leaks during the drying process. 

Step 6: Close The Drain Valve

Close the drain valve before freeze drying. This allows for no air to enter into the system. 

Step 7: Begin Functional Testing

Run a functional test to see if the freeze dryer and vacuum pump are operating well. Monitor the process by checking for leaks, temperature fluctuations, or unnatural sounds coming from the system.  

Step 8: Freeze Dry Your Bubble Hash

Now you can start freeze drying your product or hash material. Carefully monitor the system’s vacuum pressure and temperature during the drying process. Before you start, ensure your bubble hash is washed and prepped before transferring it into the freeze dryer. 

• Primary Drying (Sublimation): The primary drying stage is essential to remove the highest amount of water possible during the frozen state. At this point, the vacuum process takes place at a temperature of -40°F.(-40°C). Essentially, the vacuum grabs as much water from the hash as possible to deliver the hash without excess moisture. 
• Secondary Drying (Desorption): The next phase after primary drying is secondary drying. This part of the process is when the freeze dryer begins to warm up, resulting in the last of the water to “sublimate”. Sublimate is the water turning from solid into vapor. During the process, higher vacuum levels and warmer temperatures of 0°C to 10°C occur for many hours. 

Step 10: Check For Dryness

The next step is to check your hash is fully dry before completely removing the final product. The hash shouldn’t have any moisture or show signs of wetness, but if you find some, run it through another cycle. 

Step 9: Complete Cycle

Your freeze dryer should have cycled for 18 to 24 hours. Be sure to check the system thoroughly to avoid any unusual issues. Then open the chamber by slowly releasing the vacuum. The drain valve must be completely open before finishing the next step of defrosting. After you finish this process, start defrosting the freeze dryer.

Start Using A Harvest Right Freeze Dryer

Freeze-drying bubble hash properly can help retain the purest and highest quality cannabinoids and terpenes. Follow the steps for a finished product and store it in a sealed container.