Wet trimming is the process of removing excess plant material, specifically fan and sugar leaves, from harvested flowers while they are still fresh and moist, before the drying process begins. This method of manicuring the product immediately after harvest is often favored for its efficiency in post-harvest processing. The technique significantly reduces the volume of plant material. This reduction is particularly beneficial in humid environments as it helps prevent the development of mold or mildew during the subsequent drying phase.
Essential Tools and Setup
Before beginning the trimming process, assembling the proper equipment and preparing the workspace will ensure a smooth operation. A pair of sharp, spring-loaded trimming shears or snips with a narrow tip is recommended for precision cutting around the flowers. Large pruning shears should also be available for breaking down thicker branches into smaller, manageable sections.
Wearing gloves, such as nitrile or latex, is necessary, as the fresh resin from the flowers will be extremely sticky and difficult to remove from bare skin. Isopropyl alcohol and a cloth should be kept nearby to regularly clean the shears and remove resin buildup, which maintains the cutting tool’s performance. The workspace itself should be clean, well-ventilated, and set up with a comfortable chair, as trimming takes time.
Executing the Wet Trim
The wet trimming process begins once the harvested plant material has been broken down into individual, easy-to-handle branches. Start by using the larger shears to remove the thick, non-resinous fan leaves, which contain a lot of moisture and chlorophyll. Removing these largest leaves first allows for better access to the flower clusters.
With the fan leaves removed, focus on the smaller flower clusters. The goal is to isolate the dense flower structure, preparing it for the final manicuring stage. Once a cluster is separated from the main branch, handle it only by the stem to minimize contact with the delicate resinous material on the flower surface.
The next step involves a close manicure of the smaller sugar leaves that protrude from the flowers. Use the narrow-tipped trimming shears to carefully snip the tips of these leaves, cutting as close to the flower as possible without disturbing the structure. Since the sugar leaves are still firm and sticking out, they are easier to target and remove than when they are dry and curled inward.
Precision is necessary during this phase to shape the flowers into an aesthetically pleasing, tight form. Cutting away the sugar leaves maximizes the visual appeal of the finished product while eliminating excess plant matter that can contribute to a harsher experience when consumed. The trimmed plant material, now known as trim waste, should be collected separately in a container, as it still retains trichomes and can be used for extraction purposes.
Post-Trim Drying Requirements
Since wet trimming removes the protective outer leaves, the flowers have increased surface area exposed to the air, leading to a much faster drying time. This accelerated drying means the environment must be tightly controlled to prevent the flowers from over-drying and compromising the final quality. Wet-trimmed flowers are typically placed on specialized drying racks or screens to allow for maximum air circulation, rather than hanging entire branches.
The ideal drying environment requires a temperature maintained between 60–70°F (15–21°C) and a relative humidity (RH) level of 45–55%. Maintaining this temperature range is particularly important because higher temperatures can cause volatile terpene compounds, responsible for aroma and flavor, to evaporate prematurely. Humidity levels below 40% RH can cause the flowers to dry too quickly, resulting in a brittle texture and a harsh experience.
Consistent monitoring of the drying environment is necessary to prevent mold growth, which can still occur if humidity levels exceed 60% RH. Gentle, consistent airflow is also required, but fans should not blow directly onto the flowers, as this would cause uneven and excessively fast drying. The drying process for wet-trimmed flowers is typically shorter than for dry-trimmed material. The flowers should be checked frequently until the small stems snap rather than bend, indicating they are ready for the next stage of curing.