hop storage

**McCuckerson** · 10-29-2009, 12:24 AM

I'm thinking about buying bulk hops. I will need a scale for measuring and a vacuum sealer for storage. Am I missing anything else?

**Yooper** · 10-29-2009, 12:31 AM

A freezer?

Nope, that should about do it! I use a sharpie to write on the type, the AAUs and the year. That's all.

**McCuckerson** · 10-29-2009, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YooperBrew

A freezer?

Nope, that should about do it! I use a sharpie to write on the type, the AAUs and the year. That's all.

Does Brew Smith's hop AA loss function apply if you vac seal and freeze?

**Yooper** · 10-29-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McCuckerson

Does Brew Smith's hop AA loss function apply if you vac seal and freeze?

I think the correct answer is "yes". BUT, in my experience, and a friend who is a pro brewer who stored hops in a vac seal and freezer, the answer seems to be no. It seems like I've had very little loss of AAUs and unless the hops are particularly old or otherwise compromised, I've not had to adjust them.

For 2008 hops that have been properly stored, I think you'll find that they are fine. 2007 and older may have degraded a bit.

**McCuckerson** · 10-29-2009, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YooperBrew

I think the correct answer is "yes". BUT, in my experience, and a friend who is a pro brewer who stored hops in a vac seal and freezer, the answer seems to be no. It seems like I've had very little loss of AAUs and unless the hops are particularly old or otherwise compromised, I've not had to adjust them.

For 2008 hops that have been properly stored, I think you'll find that they are fine. 2007 and older may have degraded a bit.

Sweet Yoop, thanks

**McCuckerson** · 10-29-2009, 01:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YooperBrew

I think the correct answer is "yes". BUT, in my experience, and a friend who is a pro brewer who stored hops in a vac seal and freezer, the answer seems to be no. It seems like I've had very little loss of AAUs and unless the hops are particularly old or otherwise compromised, I've not had to adjust them.

For 2008 hops that have been properly stored, I think you'll find that they are fine. 2007 and older may have degraded a bit.

Do I even need the vac sealer?

**Yooper** · 10-29-2009, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McCuckerson

Do I even need the vac sealer?

Yes, you want to remove all of the oxygen.

elmetal · 10-29-2009, 04:16 AM

Definitely want that vacuum sealer... definitely.

play with beersmith and the hop age tool, and you'll see that vacuum sealed, even cascade out at 100F for 3 months doesn't degrade as insanely as NOT vacuum sealed.

**balto charlie** · 10-29-2009, 01:04 PM

I would not weigh the hops first. I just stuff the bag with as many hops as possible. When I need them I cut open the bag and weigh the desired amounts. I then reseal the bag. Most beer recipes call for 1.5oz or 1.25 oz or .5 oz etc and we don't weigh them into these amounts. So to save time and bag cost just stuff 'em. You're gonna weigh them later anyway.

**jldc** · 10-29-2009, 02:08 PM

Better than bags iare mason jars with the jar sealing tool that comes with the foodsaver.
If your's doesn't try this link.

The link is for widemouth mason jars. There's a different one for regular jars. Seal and reseal indefinitely.