// Science · Glossary

Esters

⚗️ Science First mentioned: Ep. 228

A class of aromatic volatile organic compounds that contribute sweet, fruity notes to cannabis. Esters like ethyl acetate (banana) and ethyl hexanoate (red apple skin) appear early in the flowering cycle before being overshadowed by louder terpenes and thiols at maturation.

Nick from Yaka described monitoring volatiles through flower and finding that plants start out 'much more sweet' with ester and aldehyde aromas early in flowering. As the plant matures, VSCs and terpenes ramp up exponentially and overpower these subtler fruity notes. The discussion highlighted the analytical challenge of separating these very volatile compounds at commercial scale.

Ep. 228 Aromatic Volatiles Deep Dive