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**Puddlethumper** · 02-27-2013, 11:43 PM

How long will pelleted hops keep and what is the best way to store them?

I realize hat a lot depends on how fresh they were when I bought them, but I'm trying to get a general idea of how perishable these are. Any input would be appreciated.

bmac · 02-27-2013, 11:48 PM

I store mine in the freezer after vacuum sealing them in foodsaver bags. I've used some of them after having them stored like this for just over a year and have not noticed any issues.

dozer5454 · 02-27-2013, 11:48 PM

I have used last years variety of many hops with great success. I have a foodsaver vacuum system. If you go to their website, they sell a sealer for the ball mason jars. Works awesome and, unlike the bags, it lasts forever.

**Puddlethumper** · 02-27-2013, 11:54 PM

Thanks guys. Got the idea that since I use the same varieties a lot it would be smart to buy in bigger quantities to save some bucks. Good information and I

Ike the vacuumed sealer idea. The wife has one and can probably talk her into teaching me how to use it! :-)

**Puddlethumper** · 02-28-2013, 11:58 PM

Another storing hops question:

If I buy an 8 oz bag and intend to use them up over the course of a couple month's brewing sessions, is it really necessary to freeze them? Would they be likely to get moldy or otherwise spoil if I just put them into zip-lock baggies and kept them in the fridge?

FuzzeWuzze · 03-01-2013, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puddlethumper

Another storing hops question:

If I buy an 8 oz bag and intend to use them up over the course of a couple month's brewing sessions, is it really necessary to freeze them? Would they be likely to get moldy or otherwise spoil if I just put them into zip-lock baggies and kept them in the fridge?

Mold no, but they will lose a ton of their aroma and bittering qualities unless they are vacuumed and dont have any contact with air.

As others have said, buy a food saver that has the external jar hook up and then goto amazon and buy the Jar lid for either wide or normal mouth jars for $10, goto your grocery store and buy a box of 12 quart mason jars for cheap(like 10-15 bucks?)

The major cost being the food saver, but honestly unless you get the jar attachment its not worth vacuum sealing bags of hops...food saver bags, even generic ones bought in bulk @ costco are way too expensive, you'd be putting $3 of hops in a $2 bag.

**DirtyOldDuck** · 03-01-2013, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FuzzeWuzze

* * *

The major cost being the food saver, but honestly unless you get the jar attachment its not worth vacuum sealing bags of hops...food saver bags, even generic ones bought in bulk @ costco are way too expensive, you'd be putting $3 of hops in a $2 bag.

I have the jar attachment, but I prefer to use bags. I buy the 8" x 20' when I find them on sale. The ZipLoc brand are a couple of bucks cheaper than the FlavorSaver brand and work just as well with the FlavorSaver. I break each pound into individual ounce packages and store in the freezer. Even with the cost of the bag rolls it is cheaper than buying by the ounce at most LHBS. If I need less than an ounce, I weigh out what I need and reseal the bag, noting the new weight on the bag, of course.

I should add that I use leaf hops. If you use pellets, each roll of bags will go a lot further.

ong · 03-01-2013, 05:39 AM

Jar attachment and a hand pump for me -- cheaper, and less stuff to break. I use a hydraulic brake bleeder.

**unionrdr** · 03-01-2013, 11:14 AM

I put the sealed bags in a zip lock freezer bag with the air burped out in the freezer. I have hops from last july still fresh in there. I'm going to make an NZ IPA to use up some of them this month.

**Puddlethumper** · 03-02-2013, 03:17 AM

Good council, guys. Thanks. Looks like mama is going to get an upgrade to her Seal-a-Meal. :-)