The drying of Hops

I've just brought some fresh hops still on the bine. (challenger, Kent hops)

I need to dry them but don't have the room.

Can I cut the hops of a leave in a paper lined box and put near a radiator to dry them out.

At the moment I've put them on the washing line, but due to weather they cant stay there.

The other alternative is i could put them in my shed, BUT i've got chemicals and other items of strong smell, i don't want the hops to take on the flavor and smell, would this happen.

Typically it needs to be someplace warm, dry, and out of the sun, so wherever you can find that criterium should work, Not sure I would put them in with chemicals, etc.

COLObrewer said:

Typically it needs to be someplace warm, dry, and out of the sun, so wherever you can find that criterium should work, Not sure I would put them in with chemicals, etc.

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I'm no expert on hop growing, but I dabble in it every year. Why not in the sun? I have cascade that I use mainly for ornamental, but when I harvest the cones I usually lay them out on a screen in the sun for a couple of days.

Celticway said:

I'm no expert on hop growing, but I dabble in it every year. Why not in the sun? I have cascade that I use mainly for ornamental, but when I harvest the cones I usually lay them out on a screen in the sun for a couple of days.

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Good question!
I have never tried it, I assume since the hops are what skunks a beer after it is boiled, bottled and left in the sun is the reason why most say not to dry them in the sun. I've often wondered, why then would it be that they are not "skunked" from GROWING in the sun?
I ponder so. Any pros on here?

Pick those hops off asap! cut bines will transfer off flavors in the cones. Commercial harvesters want the vines stripped within about 4- 6 hours max for top quality. Also, the cone stems toughen up and become very hard to pick. go man go! you've got work to do!