Water extraction is one of the
most straightforward methods of extraction, involving the use of cold water to freeze and break off trichomes from the biomass being extracted. With the increasing popularity of bubble hash, the demand for water extraction equipment is on the rise as well.
These technologies are meant to keep the trichome intact throughout the whole process, ensuring that the finished bubble hash product retains the terpenes and flavonoids present in the original plant during processing.
In contrast to solvent-based extraction, which uses high pressure and/or heat to extract crude oil, this method “pops” the trichome, causing certain terpenes to boil away and become toxic. When using water extraction, it is important to note that the trichomes are separated without causing damage to the biomass itself.
During the water extraction process, more terpenes are left behind, which improve and identify the product in the eyes of the buyer.
What is a trichome, and how does it work?
Trichomes play an important role in the creation of cannabis-derived goods. Trichomes are little, transparent mushrooms that develop on the sugar leaves and flowers of cannabis and hemp plants, and they have a similar appearance to them. The terpenes and cannabinoids found in the plant are kept within the trichomes of the cannabis plant.
Each variety has its own set of terpenes and cannabinoids, which have a significant impact on the finished product’s taste and fragrance, as well as its overall feel. Plant breeders that have developed a specific strain of cannabis have a stake in maintaining trichome integrity throughout the production process.
This is an instance in which water extraction is highly beneficial, as the preservation of these valuable trichomes is specific to the procedure used to remove them.
What is bubble hash and how does it work?
In the water extraction procedure, the end product is referred to as bubble hash, water hash, or ice hash. It is the trichomes that have been separated and filtered away from the biomass, after which they have been allowed to dry.
However, due to the method of extraction, more terpenes and cannabinoids are preserved, and bubble hash contains higher levels of cannabinoid and terpenes than standard hash. Bubble hash is a good alternative to regular cannabis oil because it is more potent.
What is the best way to create bubble hash?
As previously said, bubble hash is generated by agitating cold water through the trichomes, causing them to virtually freeze off. It is common practice to pour biomass into a bag and then soak it in ice and water, where it can be agitated until the trichomes break off and can be collected using bag filters.
Maratek has collaborated with a fellow Canadian firm, HashCo, to develop a water extraction method that would allow them to keep their heirloom genetics throughout the extraction process and make use of this basic concept.
The Trident is a one-of-a-kind technology in the market because it gently agitates the biomass using externally rotating paddles incorporated into the vessel, providing for significantly greater control over the process compared to a traditional method.