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Date: 11 Sep 2006 03:59:37
From: Shane Boyd
Subject: Input requested on hop storage
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So I generally buy hops on an as-needed basis... but recipes dont
usually call for additions in 1 oz amounts, so I end up with leftover
hops. Generally I use what I need, then "re-seal" the hops in the
mylar bag they come in with one of those interlocking chip bag sealers
(The ones that have one side in a C-shape and the other in a shape that
fits into the C...). My question is this: Are these hops still usable?
From previous searches around the group, this seems to be not the
ideal method for storing hops, as the end is not completely sealed. I
realize that many of the flavor- and aroma-contributing volatiles may
be gone, but will they still give me some bitterness? The ages vary,
ranging from 1 to perhaps 6 months. Any guesses? Thanks in advance.
Shane.
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Date: 11 Sep 2006 15:33:19
From: John 'Shaggy' Kolesar
Subject: Re: Input requested on hop storage
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On 11 Sep 2006 03:59:37 -0700, <shane.boyd@gmail.com > wrote:
> So I generally buy hops on an as-needed basis... but recipes dont
> usually call for additions in 1 oz amounts, so I end up with leftover
> hops. Generally I use what I need, then "re-seal" the hops in the
> mylar bag they come in with one of those interlocking chip bag sealers
> (The ones that have one side in a C-shape and the other in a shape that
> fits into the C...). My question is this: Are these hops still usable?
> From previous searches around the group, this seems to be not the
> ideal method for storing hops, as the end is not completely sealed. I
> realize that many of the flavor- and aroma-contributing volatiles may
> be gone, but will they still give me some bitterness? The ages vary,
> ranging from 1 to perhaps 6 months. Any guesses? Thanks in advance.
They'll probably still be usable. It's best to store them sealed and in
the freezer, but if you have the ends clipped they should still be OK. Maybe
not quite the same as they were fresh, but they won't be spoiled or anything.
If you'd stored them loose in a paper bag, or something like that, then you'd
probably have more issues.
FWIW, I have one of those vacuum pack kitchen things for resealing left overs,
etc. It works great on hops. I cut the bag, use what I need, and then
re-apply a vacuum and reseal the bag. I started buying hops in bulk (1+ lbs
at a time) since I got that little gadget.
John.
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Date: 11 Sep 2006 05:01:56
From: John Krehbiel
Subject: Re: Input requested on hop storage
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I usually fold the bag over, sometimes put them in a zip-lock type bag,
tie them up with a large twist-tie or rubber band, and put them in the
freezer. I haven't had much trouble, but I do have some Northern Brewer
hops that I think caused an off flavor, but after years of storage.
I'd say a year is probably safe, but I'm going to be more conservative
from now on.
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Date: 11 Sep 2006 07:51:48
From: Dan Logcher
Subject: Re: Input requested on hop storage
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Shane Boyd wrote:
> So I generally buy hops on an as-needed basis... but recipes dont
> usually call for additions in 1 oz amounts, so I end up with leftover
> hops. Generally I use what I need, then "re-seal" the hops in the
> mylar bag they come in with one of those interlocking chip bag sealers
> (The ones that have one side in a C-shape and the other in a shape that
> fits into the C...). My question is this: Are these hops still usable?
> From previous searches around the group, this seems to be not the
> ideal method for storing hops, as the end is not completely sealed. I
> realize that many of the flavor- and aroma-contributing volatiles may
> be gone, but will they still give me some bitterness? The ages vary,
> ranging from 1 to perhaps 6 months. Any guesses? Thanks in advance.
I have a vacuum food sealer, FoodSaver, that I use to seal up quantities
of hops. I buy bulk hops, 1# (4oz increments of type), every few months
and break them out into 1oz packets. I buy the rolls of sealer bags and
cut them into 3 1/4" sacs. I can reuse the bags twice for a whole 1oz
seal or a third or fouth time for less.
Once they are vac-sealed, I toss them into large ziplocks just to keep
the same types together and then into the freezer. I don't know the
longevity of sealed hops off the top of my head, but I'm guessing at
least a year.
--
Dan
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Date: 11 Sep 2006 21:40:39
From: Brian Bartz
Subject: Re: Input requested on hop storage
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You're supposed to protect from light and O2. Storing in the freezer in
oxygen barrier bags (I THINK food saver bags are good for this) solves your
problem.
bkb
"Shane Boyd" <shane.boyd@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1157972377.392665.87640@d34g2000cwd.googlegroups.com...
> So I generally buy hops on an as-needed basis... but recipes dont
> usually call for additions in 1 oz amounts, so I end up with leftover
> hops. Generally I use what I need, then "re-seal" the hops in the
> mylar bag they come in with one of those interlocking chip bag sealers
> (The ones that have one side in a C-shape and the other in a shape that
> fits into the C...). My question is this: Are these hops still usable?
> From previous searches around the group, this seems to be not the
> ideal method for storing hops, as the end is not completely sealed. I
> realize that many of the flavor- and aroma-contributing volatiles may
> be gone, but will they still give me some bitterness? The ages vary,
> ranging from 1 to perhaps 6 months. Any guesses? Thanks in advance.
>
> Shane.
>
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