Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in plants responsible for distinctive flavors and scents, particularly cannabis. These volatile compounds play a crucial role in plant-based products’ overall experience and potential therapeutic benefits. For cannabis producers, the challenge is to preserve these notoriously fragile compounds. As terpenes can easily degrade, manufacturers must ensure they are adequately maintained.
In this article, we explore the nature of terpenes and provide a comprehensive guide on how to preserve them effectively.
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ToggleUnderstanding Terpenes
Terpenes are organic compounds found in a wide variety of plants. They are responsible for adding distinct aromas and flavors to the profile and working synergistically with cannabinoids to produce entourage effects. Terpenes are important in the cannabis industry because they not only make the sensory experience but also possess potential therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects.
Why Are Terpenes Fragile?
Terpenes degrade easily because they are highly volatile compounds. Temperature and light are the primary factors that challenge terpene preservation. High temperatures can cause terpenes to evaporate or break down quickly. Similarly, the UV rays in light can alter the chemical structure of terpenes, degrading and reducing their potency. Also, the oxygen in the air can lead to oxidation, which changes the terpene profile and diminishes their effects. Also, terpenes do not have a long shelf life and degrade over time, even under ideal conditions.
These factors must be crucial for developing effective strategies to preserve terpenes and maintain their integrity.
20 Best Ways to Preserve Terpenes
To help you become a pro terpene saver, here we share 20 best terpene preservation ways across several aspects:
Handling and Storage

1. Use airtight containers: You can easily avoid oxidation of terpenes by storing them in airtight containers. Using secure, tight-fitting lids to create an effective barrier against air infiltration is fundamental to terpene preservation.
2. Opt for UV-protective glass jars: UV light is detrimental for terpenes; using UV-protective glass jars can prevent these compounds from breaking down and losing potency. Use amber or cobalt blue containers, as they can help shield terpenes from harmful light rays.
3. Store in cool, dark places: Putting cannabis in airtight, UV-protective glass jars is not enough; you should store these containers in cool and dark places. As heat and light are two of the most significant factors threatening terpene stability, storing your cannabis products in cool, dark places helps mitigate these risks.
4. Avoid frequent opening of containers: Limiting the frequency of opening containers is also a terpene saver act. When you open the container, terpenes are exposed to oxygen and potentially introduce contaminants. We recommend portioning your products into smaller containers for daily use while keeping the bulk stored securely.
Temperature Control

5. Maintain consistent low temperatures during storage: Keep consistently cool temperatures for terpene preservation after light control. Ideally, the cannabis products should be kept between 60-70°F (15-21°C) to slow down the degradation of terpene.
6. Avoid freezing, as it may cause terpene degradation upon thawing: Often, people assume that they can preserve terpenes for long periods by deep freezing. However, it can be counterproductive as the freezing and thawing process can damage the cellular structure of plant material. It will lead to terpene loss.
7. Use temperature-controlled environments for transportation: Manufacturers must use temperature-controlled shipping methods when transporting terpene-rich products, especially in bulk. This terpene-saver technique ensures that the products aren’t exposed to extreme temperatures during transit, which could compromise their quality.
Harvesting Practices

8. Harvest at the right time when terpene levels peak: The quality and potency of the terpenes are also affected by the harvesting process. Choosing the harvesting time to extract the maximum terpene content is crucial. You should select the optimal harvest window depending on the plant species to ensure you’re capturing the terpenes at their peak.
9. Handle plants gently to minimize terpene loss: Trichomes containing terpenes are highly fragile and can be easily lost through rough handling. During harvesting, use gentle techniques to avoid damaging trichomes or rupturing plant cells.
10. Use clean tools to prevent contamination: Contamination can accelerate terpene degradation, so always use clean, sanitized tools when handling plant material.
Drying and Curing

11. Dry plants slowly at low temperatures: To accelerate extraction, do not dry plants rapidly, as it damages terpene preservation. Slow, low-temperature drying helps retain more terpenes than rapid, high-heat methods.
12. Monitor humidity levels carefully during curing: Apart from drying plant material in a low light, cool place, maintain proper humidity. For maximum terpene preservation, aim for a relative humidity between 55-62%. It will prevent mold growth while preserving terpenes.
13. Avoid over-drying, as it can strip terpenes: Dry plants sufficiently to prevent mold, but avoid over-drying, leading to significant terpene loss. Closely monitor moisture levels in plant material and stop the drying process once the optimal moisture content is reached.
Extraction Techniques

14. Use solventless extraction methods: Among all cannabis extraction methods, solventless extraction techniques, such as rosin pressing, can be excellent for terpene preservation. Such techniques avoid using harsh solvents that can strip away delicate terpenes.
15. Optimize extraction temperatures to prevent terpene loss: Like maintaining storage temperature, carefully controlling the temperature using heat-based extraction methods is essential for avoiding terpene degradation. Each terpene has a different boiling point; understanding these thresholds is crucial for preserving the full spectrum of terpenes during extraction.
16. Preserve native terpenes with low-heat methods: Low-heat extraction methods, such as cold-press or supercritical CO2 extraction, can help preserve terpenes in their native state. Such low-heat extraction techniques minimize the thermal degradation of terpenes.
Packaging Best Practices

17. Vacuum seal to limit oxygen exposure: To avoid oxidation of the products causing terpene degradation, use vacuum sealing. It is an excellent terpene-saver technique that removes air from the packaging, significantly reducing the risk of oxidation.
18. Choose inert gas flushing to protect terpenes: Manufacturers can further protect the products by flushing packages with inert gases like nitrogen or argon. Using these gases displaces oxygen and creates a protective atmosphere for terpenes.
Additional Tips for Long-Term Preservation

19. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight during handling or storage: When handling or storing terpene-rich products, avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Even brief exposure to direct sunlight can degrade terpenes. Ensure your facilities have shaded areas or work artificial lighting to minimize UV damage.
20. Test and monitor terpene levels periodically for quality assurance: Take a proactive approach to terpene preservation by regularly testing terpene levels. It will help you assess the effectiveness of your preservation methods.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To effectively preserve terpenes, you should also avoid these common pitfalls while following best practices:
- Do not use plastic containers to store terpene-rich products. Plastic containers often leach chemicals and are inadequate to protect against light or air.
- Keep your facilities at appropriate humidity levels to avoid mold growth and terpene degradation.
- Consumers need to avoid storing the products near heat sources.
- Also, terpene products should not be stored in places where temperature fluctuates. Consistent temperatures are key for terpene preservation.
Benefits of Preserving Terpenes
Effective terpene preservation techniques offer numerous advantages, including:
- Enhanced flavor and aroma: As terpene is the primary compound adding aroma and flavor to a product, well-preserved terpenes maintain the rich, complex flavors and aromas that define high-quality plant-based products.
- Improved therapeutic effects: Several terpenes have potential therapeutic properties. Preserving these compounds ensures that the consumers fully benefit from the entourage effect and the individual properties of each terpene.
- Better product quality and customer satisfaction: High terpene preservation boosts the quality of the products, leading to increased customer satisfaction and brand loyalty.
Conclusion
Understanding how to preserve terpenes is essential for both manufacturers and consumers. The discussed terpene preservation techniques can significantly extend the life and maintain the quality of your products. Remember that the terpene saver process is ongoing, requiring attention to detail and a commitment to quality.