When I started growing, I was not a very extreme trimmer. I tended to leave those small leaves on the buds, especially if they were heavily sugar coated. I only grow for myself and to trade with other medical users so it was always a little inside joke that everyone knows my bud by the trim.
I got pretty sick myself for a while and was not very social. During that time, I went through a few personal grows experimenting with trim and cure.
Side by side drying and curing those buds, the buds with those small leaves left wrapping them are noticeably way more fragrant and flavorful than those trimmed close prior to curing.
Once I felt social again, I noticed the people I share with commenting that my buds always have intense smells.
I have some Afghani/AK cross that I tested again with half the buds closely trimmed and manicured prior to dry and cure and the other half trimmed to just the smallest leaves cupping the buds.
Opening jars of either one is very fragrant, but the ones cured with those leaves are way more intense in aroma and flavor. I have not noticed a difference in potency.
However, flavor and aroma are a huge motivator for me in selection.
I think it is the terpenes in those leaves that make the difference.
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When I started growing, I was not a very extreme trimmer. I tended to leave those small leaves on the buds, especially if they were heavily sugar coated. I only grow for myself and to trade with other medical users so it was always a little inside joke that everyone knows my bud by the trim.
I got pretty sick myself for a while and was not very social. During that time, I went through a few personal grows experimenting with trim and cure.
Side by side drying and curing those buds, the buds with those small leaves left wrapping them are noticeably way more fragrant and flavorful than those trimmed close prior to curing.
Once I felt social again, I noticed the people I share with commenting that my buds always have intense smells.
I have some Afghani/AK cross that I tested again with half the buds closely trimmed and manicured prior to dry and cure and the other half trimmed to just the smallest leaves cupping the buds.
Opening jars of either one is very fragrant, but the ones cured with those leaves are way more intense in aroma and flavor. I have not noticed a difference in potency.
However, flavor and aroma are a huge motivator for me in selection.
I think it is the terpenes in those leaves that make the difference.