Browned hops?

[budbo]

Got my leaf hops today for the 06.06.06
this is my first time not using pellets. One of the bags had a broken seal and about half the hops are browned.. are those still useable? There is enough green to do the boil if not, or can I boil the browned ones and use the green for dry hopping?

 

[Baron von BeeGee]

Brown hops are bad news for most varieties (some are 'less green' than others). If the hops are truly two different colors in the same bag I'd contact the vendor and get another batch sent out. If you can't wait to brew, I'd look for the powdery yellow glands at the base of the leaves and if they're present and smell fresh you can try going with them. I'd start with the good, green buds though.

 

[david_42]

Some of the noble hops and other low AA are actually better when oxidized because the Beta acids become more available. High AA hops shouldn't be brown.