Imagine harvesting a cannabis flower and instead of drying it, putting it directly in the freezer. It may sound strange, but that's exactly what many growers have been doing, with surprising results. 

The technique, known as fresh frozen, promises to preserve the aroma, flavor, and potency of the plant in a way that the traditional curing process cannot achieve.

The secret of 'fresh frozen'

Immediate freezing after harvest prevents the degradation of terpenes, compounds responsible for the aromas and sensory effects of cannabis.

When the plant is left to dry, some of these compounds are naturally lost through evaporation or oxidation. By freezing, the producer 'locks' the chemical structure of the flower in its purest state.

This technique is especially valued for the production of extracts such as live resin and live rosin, known for maintaining the original sensory profile of the plant. The result? Products with more intense flavors, authentic aromas, and an experience closer to the live plant.

 According to a study published in 2022 on the extraction of cannabis compounds with cold ethanol at different temperatures, the main benefit of using ultra-frozen temperatures — a concept aligned with the fresh frozen process — is the better preservation of terpenes.

The research shows that extraction at -40 °C is significantly more efficient in retaining these volatile compounds, essential for the aroma and profile of the plant. In comparison, extractions at -20 °C or at room temperature resulted in significant losses of terpenes (54.1% and 32.2%, respectively), highlighting that extreme cold reduces the degradation of these sensitive components during the process.

With information from Canamo.net