hops questions

[Use Less]

I have 3 batches of dried hops. One in the freezer, pale green color. Two at room temp, one green, other dried to tan. Are any of these hops still likely to be useable this spring, or should I compost & wait for the next crop? Thanks, Sue

[Cabin Fever]

I'd give 'em a try. What kind of beer are you brewing?

[blooba]

Originally Posted by Use Less

I have 3 batches of dried hops. One in the freezer, pale green color. Two at room temp, one green, other dried to tan. Are any of these hops still likely to be useable this spring, or should I compost & wait for the next crop? Thanks, Sue

I would say the freezer is still good
How old are they? Have they been opened? Properly stored hops can last a few years although, light,air and temperature will make them deteriorate faster.
Are they pellet,plugs or raw? Pellets and plugs lasts longer than raw since it's compressed state removes more of the oxygen.
Do they have a cheesy aroma? The acids will oxidize and kinda smell like a cheese when they are bad.
http://www.brewingtechniques.com/lib....1/garetz.html has a good chart and formula to figure out the acid loss

Vacuum packed or nitrogen flushed packaging in the freezer is the best way to store it.

[marinemomtatt]

Had a Hops grower tell me that GREEN Hops are good TAN is useless, that's why they process the hops into pellets as soon as they are picked.
The same goes for herbal use of Hops, green good, tan useless.
(lots of Hops farms in the Willamette Valley)

[Use Less]

Homegrown, dried in food dryer last fall. Haven't tried brewing any beer yet. Hear tell these are a good American variety: Cascade.

[kyweaver]

Green ones should be good. I won't buy brown ones, so I wouldn't use them.
Brew them up and let us know!

[paul]

Make a tea from them and see if it tastes right. I can't see how the active part can go bad, but it might get cooked if dried too fast. The ones I buy at the healthfood store are always a pale-green to tan color.