When you purchase botanical hemp leaves from Ranchera Familia, each batch arrives hand-selected, pesticide-free, and packaged the same day it is harvested. To maintain that level of quality, proper storage is essential. Whether you plan to use your leaves for styling, pressed-art projects, topical-prep infusions, or botanical displays, the right storage method will keep them fresh, stable, and visually intact.
Below is a simple guide to help you preserve your leaves based on your project needs.
1. Open the Bag Upon Arrival
Every order of leaves should be opened immediately once received.
Because our leaves are wrapped in moisture-safe protective material, opening the bag helps them adjust to your environment and prevents residual moisture from becoming trapped.
If leaves arrive slightly cool, allow them to acclimate at room temperature for 10–20 minutes before re-sealing or storing.
2. Store in a Resealable Bag With a Paper Towel
For short-term storage, place the leaves in a large, resealable plastic or silicone bag.
Add:
• One clean, dry paper towel for moisture control
• Leaves arranged in a single loose layer when possible
The paper towel helps absorb humidity and prevents the leaves from softening or breaking down.
Recommended storage location:
Refrigerator, botanical/craft shelf, or cool pantry area
(avoid direct light or heat)
3. Storing Leaves in Water (Fresh-Use Botanical Projects)
If you need your leaves to remain extremely fresh, flat, and pliable for styling, photography, floral uses, or decorative projects, you can place the stems in a small cup of water.
Guidelines:
• Use room-temperature water
• Keep the water level low so only the stems touch the water
• Replace the water every 24 hours
• Keep away from direct sunlight
This method maintains firmness and prevents curling.
4. Freezing for Long-Term Botanical Storage
Freezing is a highly effective way to preserve leaves for long-term craft use or for later pressing.
Steps:
- Lay leaves flat between two sheets of parchment paper.
- Place inside a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
- Remove excess air before sealing.
Frozen leaves can remain visually stable for months and are ideal for:
• Botanical art
• Resin art
• Frame displays
• Archival craft projects
Note: Once frozen and thawed, leaves are best suited for pressing or display—not oil infusions.
5. Drying and Pressing for Permanent Preservation
If you intend to use your leaves for pressed botanical art, drying and flattening is the preferred method. Pressed leaves can last years when stored properly.
See Article 2 below for full pressing instructions.
6. Avoid Heat, Direct Sun, or Enclosed Moisture
To maintain leaf integrity, avoid:
• Hot rooms
• Closed containers without air release
• Plastic bags left in the sun
• Damp storage spaces
These conditions can cause wilting, discoloration, or structural breakdown.
Summary of Storage Options
| Storage Method | Best For | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Resealable bag with paper towel | Styling, spa crafting, short-term projects | 3–7 days |
| Stems placed in water | Fresh botanical displays, photography | 1–3 days |
| Freezing | Long-term preservation, art, pressing | Months |
| Pressing | Permanent craft materials | Years |
Disclaimer
Ranchera Familia sells hemp leaves strictly as botanical material for non-ingestible use. These storage recommendations apply to botanical, decorative, artistic, or external-use applications only. Customers must follow local regulations.
