Western PA - Willamette - Ready to Pick?

[pennztatelion]

Hey all. My 3rd year Willamette took off like crazy in the spring and has a bunch of top cones but not much from about 1-2 ft below the top just yet.

The cones on there have been there for a little while now and the tips of the cone leaves are curling slightly and they feel papery with almost (95%) complete recoil on a squeeze test. No browning on the ends yet though.

My dilemma is i'm leaving for vacation on friday so it's pick friday or wait another entire week till i'm back.

I'm leaning towards just leaving them on but wanted peace of mind via group consensus.

 

[Cbaddad]

I would wait based on your description. I picked too early last year and regretted it. The aroma off the ones I left about three weeks later was so much stronger.

 

[PapaBearJay]

Hey all. My 3rd year Willamette took off like crazy in the spring and has a bunch of top cones but not much from about 1-2 ft below the top just yet.

The cones on there have been there for a little while now and the tips of the cone leaves are curling slightly and they feel papery with almost (95%) complete recoil on a squeeze test. No browning on the ends yet though.

My dilemma is i'm leaving for vacation on friday so it's pick friday or wait another entire week till i'm back.

I'm leaning towards just leaving them on but wanted peace of mind via group consensus.

Honestly, it will be less detrimental to your beers, and your hops if you wait that week. Just make sure that you have someone around to water and you will be set.