Can i use these?

1Mainebrew · 11-10-2011, 11:22 PM

So a woman at work found out I brew and she told me her husband has been growing hops for a while. She dehydrated some and she told me she would give them to me. She brought in 2 bags, one had been properly dehydrated, one had dehydrated on the vine. The latter has a VERY fragrant citrus character, the former a more subdued earthy character. Both taste deliciously citrus. I just wanted to know if it would be alright to use them...

**BrewerinBR** · 11-10-2011, 11:25 PM

Not an expert but the ones on the right look good to use

**BBL_Brewer** · 11-10-2011, 11:25 PM

as long as they smell and taste ok, should be fine.

1Mainebrew · 11-11-2011, 12:39 AM

Yeah ones on the left were the ones really in question. Oddly enough, they are the ones that smell the best (left)...both taste great and super citrusy!

**Yooper** · 11-11-2011, 12:43 AM

The ones are the left are really brown. I'd be hesitant to use them.

1Mainebrew · 11-11-2011, 01:22 AM

What happens when you use really brown hops? What flavor(s) do they impart? Could I dry hop with them since they smell so amazing? I really appreciate everyone's help. Thanks!

joeybeer · 11-11-2011, 02:13 AM

Just use 'em... take a chance !

(then report back

**lowtones84** · 11-11-2011, 02:23 AM

Why not make a tea out of a small amount of the questionable hops and see if they smell good? Steep them in not quite boiling water for like 5-10 minutes? They do look a little questionable but it's hard to tell when I don't have them in my hands.

**BBL_Brewer** · 11-11-2011, 02:19 PM

Usually by the time they brown on the bine, they lose potency and aroma. But if you can roll them in your hand and they smell good, you can use them.

1Mainebrew · 11-11-2011, 07:35 PM

I don't even need to roll them, I just open the bag and they are so wonderfully fragrant it's like a citrus punch in the face. Thanks for all the clarification! I will probably dry hop with them.