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Time-Honored Dry Farming Practices Yield Premium Cannabis at Eel River Organics
(photo credit: Eel River Organics)
Nestled along the banks of the Eel River in Humboldt County, Eel River Organics is home to an abundance of Mother Nature’s bounty, producing some of the region’s most treasured cannabis. Due to the unique terroir, generous sunlight, and nutrient-rich silt soil, this boutique farm is making big waves within the cannabis industry because of their dedication to time-honored dry farming practices and terpene-expressive whole-plant products.
If you are new to dry farming, it is an environmentally responsible growing technique that’s been used for centuries to conserve water and to encourage plants to survive naturally by deepening the plant’s root system to reach underground water (sometimes up to 20 to 30 feet deep), which strengthens the cannabis plant over time. While dry farming eliminates irrigation, plants do receive some water throughout the year, but only from natural rainwater.
As California continues to face water shortages, dry farming is a sustainable practice that can benefit many different types of crops, but not all farms are able to use this technique due to other environmental factors such as climate, soil, and nearby competing plants that are seeking water. Because of the location of Eel River Organics, situated alongside the riverbed and near the iconic Avenue of the Giants, the farm’s silt soil allows the plant to send deep taproots down into the ground to naturally access the Eel River water table, which provides enough moisture and nutrients for cannabis crops to survive. When combined with 100% biodynamic and organic farming practices, Eel River Organics' cannabis plants thrive.
(photo credit: Eel River Organics)
While the idea of not watering a cannabis crop for an entire season might seem counterintuitive, the end results are worth the wait. Showcasing incredibly high-resin yields, Eel River Organics boasts terroir-expressive cannabis that exhibits the unique characteristics of the farm’s surrounding region, which is largely due to soil packed with nutrients from centuries of decaying migratory salmon and the giant redwoods. Much like grapevines, the natural stress of dry farming produces more expressive and concentrated yields with deep aromas and flavors and accentuated potencies.
In order to unlock the plant’s full aroma and flavor potential, this technique also greatly benefits terpene production, which not only enhances sensory attributes but also the strain’s effects. For example, one of Eel River Organics' most sought after strains is Ancient Lime. As an Iranian landrace, this variety has never been hybridized and is a pure expression of sativa, rich with limonene and alpha-Pinene, providing an uplifting boost of energy when consumed.
(Eel River Organics Ancient Lime)
Ancient Lime’s aromas are like nothing else. Bursting with bright lemon and lime notes followed by hops, sweet pine tree sap, and mineral earth, the unique characteristics of Eel River’s terroir is showcased through these expressive terpene profiles. Ancient Lime provides incredibly refreshing flavors on the palate and when cooking, it would make a perfect addition to a number of salad dressings if you’re looking to create an infusion.
Another notable product is Eel River Organics' Purple Unicorn now available in prerolls, which is scheduled to hit dispensary shelves in early 2020. This majestic strain entices the nose with aromas of mixed berries laced with playful floral notes. On the palate, there is some earthiness, followed by a pop of refreshing citrus and spice that cleanses the tastebuds. This invigorating strain is perfect to enjoy with friends and will keep the good energy flowing regardless of what time you consume it at.
(Eel River Organics Purple Unicorn)
Exploring Eel River Organics' other signature strains, below is a Terpene Aroma & Pairing Guide that will help you identify specific terpene profiles that are found in their world-class cannabis products.
Dedicated to small-batch, single-strain, organic flower, Eel River Organics has quickly become a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts. As a 2019 Emerald Cup first-place recipient of best CO2 Cartridge for Ancient Lime, the company continues to prove that dry farming does, in fact, help create exceptional cannabis products.
Eel River Organics can be found at multiple locations throughout California. To learn more, please visit www.eelriverorganics.com or follow on Instagram @eelriverorganics. I hope you enjoy their dry-farmed cannabis as much as I do!
With love,
Jamie Evans Founder, The Herb Somm
**Sponsored by Eel River Organics**
About the Author:
Jamie Evans is the founder of The Herb Somm. She is an educator, host, and writer specializing in cannabis, food, recipes, wine, and the canna-culinary world. In addition to her work in the cannabis industry, Jamie has over a decade of wine industry experience and is a Certified Specialist of Wine. Having represented a wide array of organizations and wineries, she is best known for her literary work and producing high-end events. She was also named as one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers in 2018. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @TheHerbSomm.
(photo credit: Daniel Lee for The Emerald Cup)
