The Brewer

Hops Storage: Vacuum Sealing and Freezing

Hops Storage: Stop Burning Money

Buying hops by the ounce (or 100g) is expensive. Buying by the pound (or kg) is cheap. But bulk buying only makes sense if you can keep the hops fresh. If you leave a bag of Citra open on your counter, it will smell like old cheese in a week.

Hops have three enemies: Heat, Oxygen, and Light.

The Alpha Acid Decay

Over time, the Alpha Acids (bitterness) and Oils (flavor) in hops degrade. This process is accelerated by:

  1. Warmth: Hops stored at room temp degrade 3-4x faster than frozen hops.
  2. Oxygen: Oxidized hops turn brown and smell like “cheesy” socks (Isovaleric Acid).

The Solution: Vacuum + Freeze

This is the only way to store hops long-term.

Step 1: The Vacuum Sealer

You need a vacuum sealer. The generic brands ($30-$50) work just fine; you don’t need a fancy FoodSaver.

  • Method: When you open a bulk bag, weigh out what you need. Immediately put the rest into a vacuum bag and seal it.
  • Tip: If you plan to brew often, weigh them into “single batch sizes” (e.g., 50g or 100g packets) before sealing.

Step 2: The Freezer

Throw those vacuum-sealed bags into the freezer. Not the fridge. The Freezer.

  • At -18°C (0°F): Hops lose very little potency. A vacuum-sealed bag of Cascade in the freezer will be nearly identical in 3 years to the day you bought it.
  • In the Fridge: They will last 6-12 months.
  • Room Temp: They are dead in 1-3 months.

What about Mason Jars?

Many brewers use glass jars.

  • Pros: Reusable, look cool.
  • Cons: Glass jars are not vacuum environments. There is still air inside. They also let in light (unless you paint them).
  • Verdict: Only use jars if you have a vacuum attachment for the lid AND you keep them in the freezer. Otherwise, bags are better.

How to Tell if Hops are Bad

  • Visual: They should be bright green. If they are yellow or brown, toss them.
  • Smell: Squeeze a pellet. It should smell pungent and fresh. If it smells like cheese, sweaty socks, or garlic, they are oxidized. (Note: Some hops like Summit naturally smell like garlic/onion, so know your variety!).

Conclusion

A $40 vacuum sealer pays for itself after your first bulk purchase. Treat your hops like frozen food, and your IPAs will always pop.