Breaking down sugars, starches, and chlorophyll

[DGL]

What if I told you there was a post-harvest process to help break down sugars, starches, chlorophyll, and even small amounts of nitrogen?

Well, there is.

This process primarily occurs in the absence of light, as the plant can no longer photosynthesize, so it continues to metabolize its stored reserves, like sugars and starches, in order to survive.

Okay, so when you cut a bud from a plant, all metabolic processes within that bud are dead.

But if you separate the entire plant from the root ball, the metabolic processes within that plant are still alive for 72 hours. This process is called post-harvest respiration, which is when the plant continues to use its stored reserves for energy, even though it no longer has access to water or nutrients.

So, within this 72-hour period of post-harvest respiration, because the plant has no root ball but the metabolic processes are still alive, the plant breaks down excess sugars, starches, and chlorophyll. Some excess nitrogen may also be mobilized and broken down during this post-harvest process, though its effects are generally less noticeable than the breakdown of sugars and chlorophyll.

After 72 hours, I chop off and hang each branch individually to prevent mold.

This initial post-harvest respiration helps with breakdown, but I still recommend a proper curing process afterward to fully bring out the best flavor and smoothness.

I hope this article helps someone.

Happy growing!