In the quest for perfect air dried hash (also known as caviar due to its appearance), traditional methods have dictated a patience-testing process of air drying that could extend up to 14 painstaking days. However, with the use of vacuum assisted drying used in the speed dry tek, this timeline is dramatically reduced to a mere hour, all without compromising the quality and aesthetics of the end product. And arguable the quality is increased because the short dry time does not allow for microbial growth.
This technique leverages the efficiency of vacuum technology. We used our high end Across International Vac Oven. Yet, for those navigating on a tighter budget, a simple vacuum chamber and pump setup, available on platforms like Amazon for around $180, can suffice. This method does not require the use of the heating feature, making it even more accessible for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
The principle behind speed dry tek is simple yet effective. By utilizing a vacuum chamber, the process pulls moisture directly from the hash, bypassing the lengthy and sometimes perilous air drying phase. This method is especially advantageous for small-scale operations, where the minimal water quantity doesn’t overwhelm the system. For those looking to scale up, incorporating a cold trap between the vacuum pump and chamber is recommended to safeguard the pump from water vapor damage and prolong its operational lifespan. For those that really want to experiment a DIY cold trap can be made using a second vacuum chamber and dry ice. There are videos on YouTube that show this process.
One of the critical challenges with traditional air drying is the heightened risk of microbial growth during the drying period. Speed dry tek not only accelerates the process but introduces a more hygienic workflow, potentially revolutionizing how air-dry-style caviar is brought to market.
However, it’s essential to note that this technique requires specific conditions to be met, particularly in the type of hash used. Some strains may prove too “greasy,” melting rather than sieving properly. In these cases, the method might not yield the desired dry hash.
Materials Needed for Speed Dry Tek:
- Wet Hash: Your starting material, freshly prepared. We used only the 90-120 micron fraction of some low quality outdoor material for this experiment (was just what we happened to have on hand).
- Coarse Screen Sieve: To sieve the hash, enhancing its surface area for an even dry.
- 15 or 25 Micron Square Screen: For the initial wicking process to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Paper Towels: Clean and absorbent, for the wicking step.
- Vacuum Chamber and Vacuum Pump: The core components for removing moisture under vacuum. A simple setup can be found on Amazon: Vacuum Chamber and Pump. In our setup we used a Across International Vac Oven which would be much more suited for a production environment.
- Stainless Tray: For pre-freezing the hash, aiding in temperature maintenance before vacuuming.
- Optional: Cold Trap: Recommended for larger scale operations to protect the vacuum pump from water vapor by trapping it before it can enter the pump.
The Process
- Wicking: Initially, the hash is dried using clean paper towels and 15 or 25 micron screens to remove as much moisture as possible. A Buchner funnel might also work for this step, although it hasn’t been tested yet.
- Sieving: Next, a coarse screen strainer is used to sieve the hash, enhancing surface area exposure for more uniform drying.
- Pre-freezing: The hash is then pre-frozen on a stainless tray for about 30 minutes to stabilize the temperature before vacuuming.
- Vacuuming: A full vacuum is applied for one hour to pull out the remaining moisture.
- Enjoyment: Finally, the product is ready for dabbing. Crackling in the bowl is a good indication that it is still wet and requires more drying time.
Speed dry tek can produce high-quality caviar with a fraction of the traditional air drying time. We encourage you to try this technique and share your experiences. This could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for in your quest for affordable hash production.
