First year hops

I grew some cascade hops from rhizomes for the first time this year. It looks like I will have a bunch if cones. Can I use first year hops?

 

No, send them to me for disposal.




(Just kidding - yes you can use 1st year hops.) Dry them out and freeze them, or use them "wet" if your harvest date is close to your next brew date.

 

So when you say "wet" is that right off the vine and put them in the brew kettle?

 

Yup, wet is right off the vine.

General rule of thumb is use appx 5-6 times the hops (by weight) wet that you would dry, as most of the weight is coming from water absorbed in them.

Also if you're going to use homegrown hops, it's good to bitter with store-bought hops so you know the AA%, then use your homegrown for flavor/aroma additions.

 

When should I harvest? Time of year?
I'm in MA
How big should they be?