Rosin Bags-For Unadulterated Extracts

What are rosin bags for?

In the context of plant oil extraction, a rosin bag refers to a specialised tool used in the process of making rosin, a solvent-less concentrate. Rosin is created by applying heat and pressure to plant material, causing the trichomes (resin glands) to release their essential oils.

A rosin bag is typically a small, heat-resistant bag made of mesh or fabric that contains the plant material. The bag acts as a filter during the extraction process, allowing the essential oils to pass through while holding back plant material and other impurities. The use of rosin bags helps produce a cleaner and more refined rosin concentrate.

Micron/ Mesh Size

The micron size of the bags is a crucial factor in the rosin extraction process, influencing the quality and characteristics of the final rosin concentrate. The micron size refers to the size of the mesh or openings in the fabric of the rosin bag, and it determines what size particles can pass through. Here's the relevance of different micron sizes in rosin bags:

1. Trichome Size
- Different plants and strains have trichomes of varying sizes. Trichomes are the resin glands on the plant that contain oils and terpenes.
- The micron size of the rosin bag should be chosen based on the size of the trichomes. This ensures that the essential oils  are effectively extracted while preventing larger plant material from contaminating the final product.

2. Quality of the Extract
- Smaller micron sizes (e.g., 25-90 microns) are typically used for higher-quality extracts. These bags allow only the smallest particles to pass through, resulting in a cleaner and more refined rosin with a higher concentration.

3. Yield vs. Purity Trade-off
- Larger micron sizes (e.g., 120-220 microns) may be used if a higher yield is desired, as they allow more plant material to pass through. However, this may come at the expense of purity, as larger particles can introduce chlorophyll and other undesired compounds into the rosin.

4. Customising the Extraction
- Some extraction artists use a combination of rosin bags with different micron sizes in a single pressing session. This allows them to customise the extraction process for specific strains or preferences, optimising for a balance between yield and purity.

5. Application Specificity
- Different micron sizes may be preferred for specific applications. For example, lower micron bags may be used for creating high-quality dabs or concentrates, while larger micron bags might be suitable for edible preparations where purity is less critical.

In summary, the relevance of different micron sizes in rosin bags lies in tailoring the extraction process to achieve the desired balance between yield and purity based on the characteristics of the cannabis strain and the intended use of the rosin concentrate.

Here's a general overview of the rosin extraction process using a rosin bag:

1. Material Preparation: Plant material is placed inside the bag.
2. Heat and Pressure Application: The rosin bag containing the plant material is then subjected to heat and pressure using a specialised rosin press. This process may involve using a hydraulic or pneumatic or automatic press.
3. Extraction: The combination of heat and pressure causes the trichomes to release their oils, which pass through the mesh of the rosin bag.
4. Collection: The extracted rosin is collected on a surface (such as parchment paper) beneath the rosin bag.

Using rosin bags in the extraction process helps to improve the purity of the final rosin concentrate by minimising the presence of plant material and contaminants. It's a popular method among extraction enthusiasts who prefer solvent-less extraction methods for their simplicity and the absence of potentially harmful solvents.