Hops, packing for reduced volume storage

[Bilsch]

Many brewers buy hops in bulk and vacuum repack in smaller lots for storage. Maybe others have had this issue, but I've always had trouble with how the repacks un-uniformly compress when evacuated making it difficult to fit in the freezer.

IMG_9250.JPG (48 KiB) Viewed 7749 times

One solution is to place the bag between two boards and squeezing when vacuuming. You can feel the pump pulling and you just follow along adding more pressure as you go. The most force applied right near the end.

62 grams.JPG (41.49 KiB) Viewed 7749 times

IMG_9236.JPG (39.83 KiB) Viewed 7749 times

[Bilsch]

This 62 grams pressed out.

IMG_9237.JPG (37.01 KiB) Viewed 7748 times

IMG_9241.JPG (31.92 KiB) Viewed 7748 times

I believe this method also reduces the entrained air.

IMG_9243.JPG (60.91 KiB) Viewed 7748 times

[Bilsch]

This is 2 pounds of hops ready for the freezer.

2 lbs.JPG (33.62 KiB) Viewed 7747 times

330ml bottle for size reference.

330ml bottle reference.JPG (51.7 KiB) Viewed 7747 times

[Owenbräu]

Those look great.

[Weizenberg]

Great idea

How long should they last in those bags?

[Bilsch]

Can't say for sure as I'm uncertain of the barrier properties of the plastic used. Normally the bags get purged with N2 before sealing if I'm planning on storing for a while in the chest freezer. Nothing usually stays in there more then 2 years before being used but they seem to last at least that long.