Sauce

Sauce is a heterogeneous BHO concentrate in which THCA crystals are suspended in a terpene-rich viscous liquid. It separates analytically into two labeled fractions. HTFSE (High-Terpene Full-Spectrum Extract) is the liquid portion — 13–40% terpenes and around 50% THCA — prized for aroma and flavor. HCFSE (High-Cannabinoid Full-Spectrum Extract) is the crystalline portion — up to 90%+ THCA with minimal terpenes — which can continue growing into THCA diamonds. The HTFSE/HCFSE terminology was coined by the Oregon-based extractor Extractioneering. Production uses closed-loop hydrocarbon extraction at subzero temperatures with programmed pressure and temperature ramping — for example, ramping from -60°C up to -20°C — to preferentially capture monoterpenes first, then sesquiterpenes and cannabinoids. The crude is held for 2–4 weeks under controlled temperature and pressure to allow crystallization to develop. Propane-dominant solvent blends are favored for their higher terpene yield. Finished sauce has a marmalade-like crystals-in-goo appearance, colored clear to deep amber. Variants include live resin sauce, live rosin sauce, and diamond sauce. ⚠️ Industry usage of "full spectrum" is inconsistent — some producers reintroduce isolated or botanical terpenes into the liquid fraction post-extraction, a practice purists reject. Adding diamonds back to their own sauce ("diamonds and sauce") is common and visually striking but contested on authenticity grounds. → See also: Diamonds, Live resin, HTFSE, HCFSE, BHO