Hop Storage

[monkey_doctor]

Guys,

How do you store hops? I have got a few unopened bags and i want them to last a few batched. Should i freeze them in the airtight bag and then open them and take out the amount i need then put them in an airtight lunchbox type thingy.

Any input would be great guys.

[mysterio]

Keeping them in the freezer is the best bet, I've had hops keep their flavour for months this way and they'll probably keep for longer. Keeping them in an airtight container is probably a good bet too, not least because without one, I noticed everything in my freezer - pizza, fishfingers - started to smell like hops after a while

[oxford brewer]

I noticed everything in my freezer - pizza, fishfingers - started to smell like hops after a while [/quote]

MMMMMM thin crust pizza with extra challenger hops(beats anchovies )

[Jim]

Another vote for freezing them. I just use standard freezer bags with tie handles - I squeeze out as much air as possible before tying them.

[oxford brewer]

Excuse me for this question!but do the hops freeze in a block,or do they stay loose(like freeze dried peas)?
I keep mine in the fridge in a (showing me age here ) tupperware container,never thought i could freeze them(<images of snapping of roughly 20g of frozen solid bramling cross>)!

Colin

[monkey_doctor]

was in asda today and bought 3 air tight lunch box type things to freeze

[tribs]

If you freeze them they need to be airtight in tupperware, ziplock or a tightly sealed bag a la Jim . If you do it right they should stay loose (unless they are in a block to start with i.e. M&H and Youngs VP hops) meaning no extra moisture has got to them.

[RabMaxwell]

I am thinking about buying one of them food vacuum pack machines from ebay.Recon they would be good for repacking hops and yeast. Rabmaxwell(Brewing in Ayrshire)