Contents
How to prepare hops for the winter
Hops can be used for more than just brewing. It is suitable for preparing meals and medicines. In order for the raw material not to lose its properties, the correct harvesting of hops for the winter is needed. Not only storage is important, but also collection.
When and how to harvest hops for the winter
If there is no hop in your garden, and you will pick cones from a wild-growing shrub, then choose a plant that grows in an ecologically clean place. Raw materials collected in an industrial area, near a road or railroad, are not suitable for consumption.
If the cones are green, then it’s too early to harvest hops for the winter.
Hops can be harvested in August-September, when the cones will acquire a yellow-green or pinkish hue, but have not yet opened. Collection rules:
- Only female inflorescences have useful properties. They are arranged in single groups in the form of brushes. Male inflorescences are of no value.
- Harvest hops in dry weather for more active ingredients.
- Pick only good quality buds. The quality can be checked by the presence of a golden yellow powder on the inside of the flakes.
- Hops over a year old are suitable for harvesting raw materials.
If the buds turn brown, it is too late to harvest them.
For brewing, also harvest hops in August-September. To check the quality of the raw material, rub it in the palms of your hands. If a green-yellow scent remains on the skin, then it’s time to harvest the hops.
Pull off bumps with gloves as you can scratch your hands.
Hop lianas can reach 5 m in height, for convenience, you can cut them at the root. Then, gently pluck each bud along with the stem. If it is damaged by disease, discard it.
How to prepare hops for the winter
Dry the buds immediately after harvesting. If you delay with this procedure, the raw materials will lose some of the nutrients.
Workpiece:
- Spread out the hops in a thin layer in a dry, well-ventilated area. It cannot be dried in the sun. The drying process takes 7 days, during this period, stir the raw materials periodically so that it dries evenly.
- Transfer the hops to cardboard boxes. Store in a dry and cool place.
With proper harvesting and storage, hops do not lose their beneficial properties for 3 years. If black spots appear on the buds, it’s time to throw out the raw materials.
When harvesting hops, it is important not to miss the picking point. At least 2 days should remain until the cones are fully ripe. Check the readiness of the raw materials daily at the end of August.