The alluring aspect of the presence of anthocyanins in cannabis
For centuries, this healing herb has been multiplied hundreds of thousands of times, creating an extremely range of characteristics and profiles. Many cannabis strains turn partly purple when exposed to cold, which is due to one peculiar and alluring trait, the high presence of anthocyanins. These strains are genetically predisposed to bring out this magnificent mauve hue, and it is possible to extract the resin while maintaining the color but under certain conditions.
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are the same flavonoids that give blueberries and red cabbage their vibrant color. Anthocyanins (from the Greek anthos "flower" and kuanos "dark blue") or anthocyanosides (or on the English model anthocyanins) are natural pigments giving the color red, pink, purple and blue to fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, casi , strawberry and raspberry.
Depending on the pH, the color spectrum of anthocyanins can vary from blues, purples, pinks and reds. These compounds exist in the form of heterosides formed by the condensation of a non-carbohydrate molecule (called aglycone) and of oses and often, of acyl groups. The aglycone which characterizes them is an anthocyanidol of the flavonoid class. They play an important role in the pollination of flowers and the dispersal of seeds, as well as in the protection of plants against environmental attacks (cold, etc.).
In medical terms, they are recognized for fighting cell aging, they are also beneficial for vision, digestion and are protective of the liver. Anthocyanins, particularly in the weed, are known to be powerful antioxidants, thus possessing analgesic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Some anthocyanins have selective affinities with cannabinoid receptors, some types bind with CB1 receptors and others with CB2 receptors.
Trichromatic staining
Like terpenes, the anthocyanin compound is extremely sensitive to moisture and oxidation. The color anthocyanin appears to the human eye is directly correlated with the pH of the flower. Once the flower is harvested and hung to dry, the pH increases day by day as the moisture dissipates. In cannabis, a very small presence of anthocyanins can produce vibrant purple colored buds and leaves.
The pH level determines which pigment the plant will take. Acidic environments tend to induce red and pink staining, while purple staining occurs in pH neutral environments. The plant will turn blue if the PH levels are higher, and yellow if it grows in an alkaline medium.
In some cases, where anthocyanin was a primary reproductive trait, the purple pigment can migrate all the way up the trichomous stems and trichome heads. Trichomes, while being microscopic, hold a treasure trove of essential oils and unique compounds in their buds. They should be consulted throughout the growth, to better understand and monitor the plant cycle.
Stimulate the appearance of color
There are many strains that contain a genetic predisposition for so-called "high" levels of anthocyanins, such as Purple, Red, Blue, or Pink. This doesn't mean that these strains will always show purple hues, but they have a higher potential to do so if the conditions are right.
Purple, red, and blue hues can appear in response to a drop in temperature, as chlorophyll production takes its natural break when the days get colder. Higher temperatures destroy anthocyanin production.
Multiple winner of the Cannabis Cup, among the best sellers and well balanced, Amnesia Haze is a variety of prestige. This Sativa-dominant strain is blessed with strong psychedelic powers and can take on a decidedly purplish hue under 'the right' conditions, just like Blueberry.
To do this, use an organic soil mixture with perfect NPK homogeneity, which will allow the plant to use all the nitrogen available before starting to degrade its chlorophyll, the colored pigments will appear as and when. Be careful to avoid adding Nitrogen (N) too late, this will prevent staining " purple Of your weed. It is possible to modify the PH directly by adding to the watering with a little citric acid (present in lemon juice).
A large temperature difference between day and night is recommended, especially at the end of flowering. A difference of 10ºC will quickly trigger the pigmentation of the plant, as long as the genetics allow it.
Hash Rosin Tech for purple
A technique for making dab, using no solvent, easy and inexpensive, makes it possible to obtain a concentrate obtained by separating the resin and the plant material, and this by means of a hair iron and 'a paper :
In general terms for plants rich in anthocyanin compound, the extract will be golden in color if the plant has a basic pH rather than rather acidic (weak), even if the flower visually appears purple.
So, to extract anthocyanin-filled resins, just run the weed with a hair iron, right after harvest (around 36-48 hours), when the flowers are still at a very acidic pH. This is the time when the anthocyanins remain mobile and soluble and are extracted with the trichomes, which dyes the oil a purple color.
The flavor of the resin
The flavor of the freshly squeezed resin is second to none. The terpenes are at their maximum potential and haven't had a chance to evaporate, which in turn provides a refreshing explosion of cannabis essence. Resin is an amazing way to examine the true flavor profile of each individual strain.
But purple strains aren't necessarily more potent than their green parents, but they don't go unnoticed. A blooming purple plant exposed to the cold can actually produce less THC, so it is important to keep in mind that many factors prove to be desirable only in certain strains, and under certain conditions.
