This is the way 420 Magazine listed " The Brown Bag Method " , I do a variation of this , but this a simple method . Brown bags are also used to " prolong " veg and fruits in the fridge , by allowing moisture and oxygen to move ( Breathe ) thru it. Plastic bags make them sweat out more because moisture is TRAPPED . However plastic bags can be used to store if the buds have excised any excess moisture already. This would be a good storage idea for the buds you will use in a few months . You can throw a BOVEDA 62 pak in them to.
But for more long term storage , I use jars to FULLY SEAL them for storage over 6 months plus.
First off let me say how nugs dry depends on the strain, some dry tight and hard, others dry soft and fluffy. There is many ways of drying your herb and each has its good points and solid methods.
This is simply the way I do it.
IMPORTANT : Only use Brown Bags , ( like from the market ) , not Bleached / White paper bags.
Heres what I do:
* Once the plants are mature and ready for harvest, cut the plants down and hang them upside down in dark & dry area. Dry your herbs in the way you like.
* Remove all fan leaves and other big leaves.
* Let the plants hang for about 3 days or until the outsides of the bud begin to feel dry. You can gently squeeze the buds and you should be able to feel that they are still soft and wet in the middle.
* Remove all the buds from the plant, then clip and manicure them as normal. The left over material from this step is excellent for making oil, hash, and bubble!
* Check your buds over daily until they are
nearly brittle dry, sometimes this will take over a week for the bigger buds and colas. Again you can gently squeeze the buds to ensure they are dry in the middle.
Keep buds that are close to same dryness together and any that need more time , left them continue.
* Once the buds have dried , put them into paper bags. Use the large paper bags that you can find at most grocery stores. Put about 3 inches of buds into the bottom of a bag and roll the top over as though it were a lunch bag.
Important : Keep in cool dark place , under bed , back of closet , etc.
* Open the bag once or twice daily, mixing and Rolling the buds around. Try not to shake them TOO HARD , you don't what manhandle. By doing this you are distributing around. They'll sweat out more moisture from the insides of the buds to the outside where they will dry.
Doing this ensures they will dry slowly which leaves a nice smooth product.
* Once the buds are dry in the paper bags, I like to place them into plastic zip-lock bags for two or three days. " Here is where you can pop a BOVEDA or small Hygrometer to monitor ".
* Watch the buds to see if they become wet again or the bag sweats after leaving them in the plastic. This tells you that they are not dry and should be placed back into the paper bags for further drying. One sure way to tell if the buds are completely dry is to bend the buds. If the stem within the bud snap when bent, they you know it is dry. If the stem bends and does not snap or crack then it is a pretty good indication that there is still moisture within the bud. ( this is where you can DIAL IN your preferred RH )
Some Growers prefer certain moisture content ( in their finished product ).
RH of 55 % - 62 % is a good range. Mileage will vary LOL
* Once you are certain the buds are dry by leaving them in the plastic bags for two or three days, then you can place them into mason jars to FINISH OR STORAGE. Using this method eliminates having to open the jars daily and letting excess moisture dry which can form on the glass. I find it can mould too easily in the glass if not watched carefully.
Some guys pack in Tupperware or freezer , to each their own , I guess. ( smh )
* If you decide to place your buds into jars I would suggest to continue to check the jars every day for a week or two until you're sure they are dry. Then you can seal and store the jars away in a safe and dark location for a rainy day or When the HOES come a Knockin
Now you can open one jar at a time and enjoy. I've found that nugs kept in jars for 6+ months cure well and taste great, however nugs sealed in jars for over a year are incredible. ( unfortunately I can't wait a year ..... Oh well )
ENJOY