Keeping open packages of whole leaf hops for dry hopping

I see so many recipes that have 1/2 oz combinations of hops at the dry hop stage. Keeping a half used open package of pellets is relatively simple, throw it in a jar or something. Personally, I only use whole leaf hops for dry hopping. How do you guys keep a partially used open package of whole leaf?

There's two particular issues I see. 1) Degrading freshness from oxidation. 2) Sanitation. This later one isn't important for boil additions. For dry hopping though, I feel more comfortable dumping in a freshly opened package than one that's been open and stored for however long.

Buy a foodsaver and vacuum seal them.

Short of a vacuum sealer, which is a great invest, one can use ziplock bags and use a sink/vessel of water to partially submerse the ziplock forcing most of the air out. Then freeze.

I flush my open packages of hops with carbon dioxide.

Just sack up and add the extra half oz!! Your beer will be better for it.

This is why I always try to formulate my recipes using whole oz of hops.

tgmartin000 said:

Just sack up and add the extra half oz!! Your beer will be better for it.

This is why I always try to formulate my recipes using whole oz of hops.

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To be honest, I have 1 oz of Columbus and 1 oz Cascade that I'm planning on using for an IPA in the primary right now. I'm considering using 1/2 oz of each for 7 days and the remaining 1/2 oz of each for the last 3-4 days. I know freshness is not really a concern with only a few days open, but sanitation does run across my mind.

TAK said:

To be honest, I have 1 oz of Columbus and 1 oz Cascade that I'm planning on using for an IPA in the primary right now. I'm considering using 1/2 oz of each for 7 days and the remaining 1/2 oz of each for the last 3-4 days. I know freshness is not really a concern with only a few days open, but sanitation does run across my mind.

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When dealing with hops, sanitation is not a concern. They have natural preservatives that keep them from infecting beer.

I only cut a corner off of the package to get out what I need, then fold a piece of duct tape over the opening to make it airtight again. Sure it would be better to flush with CO2 or Nitrogen, but I don't have that capability.

I figure the original foil pack is more resilient than transferring it into a ziploc bag or other container and minimizes the amount of time exposed to air.

I also store all my hops in the freezer.

I toss them in to a Mason jar... Many different hops over time...

Then I brew a "Kitchen Sink IPA" where these hops are the bittering hop... usually something else for flavor.

I have made a lot of good beers this way and do it once a year...

and I do write on the lit what I actuall have in the Jar

DPB