Cold cure rosin is a specific type of cannabis concentrate that has undergone a post-processing technique to achieve a particular texture and enhanced flavor profile. It’s not a different type of rosin in itself, but rather the result of how fresh rosin is handled after extraction.
The Process of Cold Curing
The process begins with “fresh press” rosin, which is the initial oil extracted from cannabis using heat and pressure. This fresh rosin is often sappy, sticky, and translucent. To create cold cure rosin, the fresh press is subjected to a “curing” process:
- Collection: The fresh rosin is collected from the parchment paper and placed into an airtight glass jar.
- Sealed Storage: The jar is sealed tightly to prevent air exposure and to trap the volatile terpenes.
- Cool Temperatures: The sealed jar is stored in a cool environment, typically a refrigerator or a cool, dark room, at temperatures ranging from 40°F to 70°F (4°C to 21°C).
- Curing Period: The rosin is left to cure for a period of several days to a few weeks. During this time, the cannabinoids and terpenes naturally separate and nucleate, causing the rosin to change consistency.
- Whipping (Optional): Once the desired consistency is achieved (often a thick, opaque, and waxy texture), the rosin may be “whipped” with a dab tool. This whipping process introduces air, further homogenizing the concentrate and creating a creamy, “badder” or “budder” consistency.
Key Characteristics and Benefits
The cold cure process is a popular method for several reasons: - Terpene Preservation: By keeping the rosin at low temperatures, the delicate and volatile terpenes are preserved rather than being evaporated by heat. This results in a concentrate with a vibrant, true-to-strain flavor and aroma.
- Enhanced Flavor: Cold curing allows the terpenes to “mature” and develop, often leading to a richer and more complex flavor profile than uncured rosin.
- Ideal Consistency: The final product, which is often a “badder” or “budder” consistency, is much easier to handle than the sticky, glassy fresh press. This makes it more convenient for dabbing and other consumption methods.
- Extended Shelf Life: The curing process creates a more stable concentrate that can be stored at room temperature for longer periods without significant degradation.
- Full Spectrum: Like other types of high-quality rosin, cold cure rosin is a full-spectrum product, meaning it contains a wide range of the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes, which contributes to the “entourage effect.”
Cold Cure vs. Warm Cure Rosin
The primary alternative to cold curing is warm curing, where the rosin is cured at higher temperatures (e.g., in a heated oven or on a hot plate). Warm curing can produce different consistencies, such as “rosin jam,” where the rosin separates into a liquid terpene layer and a crystalline cannabinoid layer. While warm curing can also produce excellent results, cold curing is generally favored for its superior terpene preservation, which many connoisseurs consider the ultimate measure of quality in hash rosin.