Drying Hops Using a Food Dehydrator – Great Results

Ingredients

• 1 lb Freshly Harvested Hops (Any variety, such as Chinook, freshly picked on the same day for best results. Ensure hops are free of pesticides or treatments.)

Instructions

1. Harvest the Hops: Pick hops at their peak ripeness. Ripe hops will feel slightly dry and papery, and their aroma will be strong and pungent.
2. Prepare the Hops: Gently remove any stems, leaves, or other debris from the hop cones. Handle the cones carefully to avoid damaging them and releasing their valuable oils.
3. Arrange Hops on Dehydrator Trays: Spread the cleaned hop cones in a single, even layer on each tray of the food dehydrator. Ensure there is adequate space between the cones to promote good airflow. Overcrowding can lead to uneven drying and potential mold growth.
4. Set Dehydrator Temperature: Set the food dehydrator to the lowest available temperature setting, ideally 95°F (35°C). It's crucial to maintain a low temperature to prevent the vaporization of essential hop oils responsible for their unique aroma and flavor.
5. Begin Drying Process: Turn on the dehydrator and allow the hops to dry continuously for approximately 8 to 9 hours. Rotate the trays every few hours to ensure even drying. Drying time can vary depending on hop variety, moisture content, and dehydrator efficiency.
6. Check for Initial Dryness: After about 4 hours, check the hop cones periodically. Gently squeeze a few cones to assess for residual dampness. They should start feeling slightly less pliable.
7. Assess for Complete Dryness: After about 8 hours, perform a thorough check. The hops are adequately dried when they feel brittle to the touch and have a papery texture. They should easily crumble when rubbed between your fingers, and stems should snap rather than bend. Do not over-dry, as this can lead to loss of aroma.
8. Continue Drying if Necessary: If the hops are still damp, continue the drying process, checking them every hour until the desired dryness level is achieved. Proper drying is critical for long-term storage and prevents mold.
9. Cool Completely: Once the hops are adequately dried, remove the trays from the dehydrator and allow the hop cones to cool completely at room temperature. Cooling stabilizes their moisture content and prevents condensation when stored.
10. Vacuum Seal for Storage: Place the cooled, dried hops into vacuum seal bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing to preserve the hops' aroma, flavor, and alpha acid content. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, use airtight containers and press out any excess air.
11. Proper Storage: Store the vacuum-sealed bags of dried hops in the freezer to maximize their shelf life and preserve their quality. Properly dried and stored hops can maintain their brewing potency for a year or more.