// Definition
The practice of carefully controlling the ratio of water to hash in freeze dryer trays. Too much water increases dry time and terpene loss; too little causes hash compaction and ice entrapment within the product.
// From the Episode
Fletch explained the core tradeoff: water between trichome heads prevents compaction during freeze drying, but excess water dramatically increases drying time and exposure to vacuum (which strips terpenes). He said the 'real key' is reducing water as much as possible while avoiding compaction. Curran from In-House Melts added that spreading hash thinner across more trays also shortens dry time even with the same water content. Bubbleman mentioned using screens from Fletch that allow air to pass above and below the hash to prevent compaction.