How to Store Premium Hops Like a Pro

At Yakima Valley Hops, we’re more than just hop suppliers—we’re brewers, too.? We know that hops are the soul of your beer and most of all delicate. They can easily lose their potency if exposed to light, heat, and oxygen. This affects not only their flavor but also the overall quality of your brew, storing them correctly will ensure they retain their alpha acids, essential oils, and fresh aromas that make your beer stand out. We’ve learned a thing or two about proper hop storage, and we’re here to share some insider tips on how to make sure your hops stay in peak condition.

Hop Killers

Hops are like most fresh ingredients—they’re happiest when stored in certain conditions. Protect your hops from oxygen, heat, light, and time. These elements can accelerate deterioration, affecting both aroma and flavor.?

Pro Tip: This is the advantage of T-90 pellets. These pellets have a long shelf-life because of their compressed form and aren’t as sensitive as whole cones.??

How Long Do Hops Last?

At Yakima Valley Hops, we ship all of our hops in nitrogen-flushed, vacuum-sealed packages with less than 1% oxygen to ensure the best and freshest quality. Hops will stay fresh for up to 5 years in their original unopened packaging. You heard us right — 5 years!?

Once you open a bag, your hops can remain fresh for about 6 months if you reseal the package, minimize oxygen exposure, and return them to the freezer. Remember, proper storage is key to preserving hop quality and flavor for your brews.

Long-term Hop Storage

Two things are important when it comes to long-term storage: the storage container and oxygen.

C02 flushing your container is a way to buy yourself several months of freshness before degrading sets in. This method ensures that the hops are exposed to less oxygen and preserves their freshness. Vacuum sealing is practiced by homebrewers and is one of the most effective ways to store fresh hops. Combined with storing in cold temperatures, your hops can be stored for 1-2 years (possibly more)? before signs of degradation or oxidation.?

Pro tip: YVH recommends using Mylar packaging because unlike plastic it’s better at keeping light and odors out.

At Yakima Valley Hops, we’re more than just hop suppliers—we’re brewers, too. We know how vital hops are to creating a perfect beer, and we take the utmost care to ensure our hops are stored and shipped in top condition. From airtight packaging to maintaining optimal storage temperatures, we’ve got you covered.

Head over to the Yakima Valley Hops site to shop all hops. Happy brewing!