Hang drying is a traditional and effective method for drying a variety of plants after harvest. This process helps preserve the valuable compounds within the plants, leading to a more flavorful and high-quality final product. In this blog, we'll cover the essential steps and considerations for hang drying your plants.

Why Hang Dry?

• Enhanced Flavor and Aroma: Slow drying allows for a gradual breakdown of chlorophyll and complex compounds, resulting in a smoother and more enjoyable end product.
• Preservation of Beneficial Compounds: Hang drying helps retain valuable compounds within the plant material that might be lost with faster drying techniques.
• Lower Risk of Mold: With proper airflow and environmental control, hanging plants are less susceptible to mold and mildew issues.

Preparation for Hanging

1. Harvesting: Choose the optimal time to harvest your plants based on their specific characteristics. Look for signs of maturity like flowers changing color and pistils browning.
2. Trimming (Optional): You can trim excess leaves off the branches, but many growers prefer leaving some foliage to aid in the slow drying process.
3. Choosing a Location: Select a dark, well-ventilated area with moderate temperatures (around 60-70°F or 15-21°C) and a relative humidity of around 50-60%.

The Hang Drying Process

1. Hanging Methods:
   • Whole Plant: Hang entire plants upside down using twine or wire attached to a clothesline or drying rack.
   • Individual Branches: Larger plants may need to be divided into branches for more even drying.
2. Spacing: Ensure adequate spacing between plants or branches to promote airflow and prevent mold.
3. Environmental Control: Monitor temperature and humidity regularly. A small fan can help with gentle airflow, but avoid direct wind on the plants.
4. The Drying Time: Drying can take 1-3 weeks. Plants are ready when their stems snap cleanly instead of bending, and the plant material feels dry to the touch.

Curing and Storage

• Curing: Once dried, transfer the plants to airtight containers (mason jars are ideal) and store them in a cool, dark environment. Open the jars daily for the first couple of weeks for 'burping' to release excess moisture.
• Storage: Properly cured and stored plant material can maintain optimal quality for several months.

References:

• Royal Queen Seeds: Drying and Curing Cannabis Buds: 
• Grove Bags: Drying Cannabis: https://grovebags.com/drying-cannabis/

Additional Notes:

• This guide applies to various plants, but always research specific drying requirements for your chosen plant species.
• Investing in a hygrometer is crucial for monitoring humidity levels.

Hang drying is a rewarding process that helps you get the most out of your harvest. With patience and attention to detail, you'll enjoy the superior quality of your carefully dried plants.

Let me know if you'd like examples of specific plants this technique works well for or additional details!