How to Preserve Terpenes

TERPENES

Terpenes are preserved by limiting heat, light, air and time: dry slowly, cure in sealed jars, and store flower or extracts in airtight glass in a cool, dark place. Because terpenes are volatile, they evaporate and degrade faster than cannabinoids. Preserving aroma and flavour is mostly about controlling four enemies.

The four enemies

Terpenes are lost to heat (they evaporate at relatively low temperatures), light (UV degrades them), air (oxidation), and time. Every one of these is manageable.

Drying and curing

Aggressive, hot drying drives terpenes off. A slow dry followed by a proper cure in sealed jars, opened briefly each day at first, preserves far more aroma than rushing the process.

Storage

Keep dried flower or extracts in airtight containers, in a cool, dark place. Glass is better than plastic, which can absorb terpenes. Avoid temperature swings and direct light.

When working with heat

Any process that applies heat, decarbing, infusing, extracting, will lose some terpenes. Lower temperatures and shorter times preserve more, which is one reason gentle methods are favoured.

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