Storing hops and yeast

How long can you store a bag of hops and a vial of yeast after opening? Would it be best to store in the fridge? Are there any other tricks to extending the storage life?

 

I always put opened hops in a plastic baggy, squeeze out as much air as I can and put them in the freezer. I believe they can last quite a while. Yeast should definitely be stored in the fridge. I think it can be good for a couple of months if packaged properly.

 

The guy at the homebrew shop said once the yeast is opened it should all be used or tossed. I've heard differently on that subject. Is it worth a shot keeping it in the fridge?

 

Why would you open yeast without using the entire quantity of it? So long as you are sanitary when you open the yeast it can be stored in the fridge. I've used liquid yeast as old as 4 months with no problem. I'm sure dried yeast can go a year fine. When using old yeast always make a starter to be sure it is still viable and to build up a strong active culture again. Use this to help estimate starter size based on your yeast age. www.yeastcalc.com

Store hops in the freezer. The deep freezer is best because it's at or below 0*F! I've used aroma hops that were 18 months old in the freezer and they still smelled great, just have to use about 30% more hops for every year they are old for the same bittering/aroma.

 

Hops an be kept in the freezer. The less oxygen the better, so if you can vacuum seal them, they'll last longer.

I wouldn't save unused yeast - mostly out of fear of contamination once opened. Also, I've never been in a position to used less than a full vial of yeast. Why do you have yeast left over?

 

I'm just curious. I'm only brewing 1 gallon so I'm not sure if I'll use the whole thing

 

I've heard of using a portion of dried yeast and saving the remainder in the fridge. Seal the package as best as possible and put that in a ziplock baggie. I've done that, but used the remainder within a week. It lasts longer than that from what I understand.

 

With liquid yeast you could make a starter and use what you need and save the rest. I do that now instead of washing my yeast.

 

Whether yeast or hops,I reseal the package & put it in a zip lock freezer bag. Yeast in the lil butter cubby on the fridge door,hops dito,but on that lil shelf above the ice maker. I've had them last a year in there as far as hops go. Yeast a good couple months at least.