Wild hops

[adamzworld]

I came across these earlier whilst out walking by a local river. They look a bit like hops but they don't appear to have a cone and are soft so I'm not sure what they are. They certainly smell like hops!

Anyone know what they are and whether I could use them in brewing?

https://photos.app.goo.gl/gLGY8dqBD97XJbpN9

[gr_baker]

They're hops. Probably not the best for brewing but give them a go

[adamzworld]

Cheers for the quick response. I'll have to go back and pick som more! They actually smell a bit like Citra, but I don't think they are

[Robwalkeragain]

Look a bit old to me. Open one up, rub the yellow powder on the back of your hand and have a whiff, that should tell you more!

[adamzworld]

They probably were a bit dried out as they were lying on the floor next to the shrub so had probably dried out in the sun. I'll do as you suggest and rub the yellow powder, then I'll be off to pick some fresh ones!

[adamzworld]

Picked some more earlier, so will try drying them out in oven then feezing for when I need them. Also taken some cuttings and will see if they develop new roots (altough from what I've read, best time to do this is in spring).

Photos to follow.

[adamzworld]

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ph4VNuBzdRuLZH2E7

[adamzworld]

I was going to pick some more of these today with a view to adding them into the wherry kit that I've got fermenting at the moment. I know that I can either put them in a muslin bag or just chuck them in loose, but I was just wondering if it's okay to add them when they're freshly picked, or should I attempt to dry them in the oven first?

Also I know hops have antiseptic properties so should I do anything with them before adding them, or can I just chuck them in freshly picked?

The last thing I want to do is add any nfections to my brew so thought I'd check first.

Thanks in advance for any help or advice.

[Robwalkeragain]

They should be used in the boil only ideally. My suggestion would be a couple of litres of hop tea, heat to pasteurize and remove as much green matter as possible before adding to the beer.

[adamzworld]

Thanks for the prompt reply. So do I just stick the picked hops into a saucepan off water and boil them up? I assume I'll then need to remove the hops once boiled and let the water cool down fully before pouring it into the FV? How long would you suggest I boil them for to pasteurize them? Thanks, Adam