Storage of hop pellets

[Simonpyman]

So I made not the best choice when storing a bunch of hop pellets i bought at discount when my LHBS closed. I kept them at room temperature in the dark (closet) for a little over a year and just now transferred them to the freezer. I did use two of the varieties when i brewed in September and the hops smelt fine and I quickly vacuum sealed the remainder after. They are either in original packages or vacuum bags but do you think the hops will be ok? Obviously the shelf life has been diminished keeping them at room temp but has anyone stored their hops at room temp?

 

[Donoroto]

So I made not the best choice when storing a bunch of hop pellets i bought at discount when my LHBS closed. I kept them at room temperature in the dark (closet) for a little over a year and just now transferred them to the freezer. I did use two of the varieties when i brewed in September and the hops smelt fine and I quickly vacuum sealed the remainder after. They are either in original packages or vacuum bags but do you think the hops will be ok? Obviously the shelf life has been diminished keeping them at room temp but has anyone stored their hops at room temp?

In the original packaging, hop pellets at room temperature are ok. They are packed in extra heavy packaging and an inert atmosphere is used.

Repackaged and vacuum sealed is better when frozen, but (like grain) they diminish slowly.

Others may dispute these assertions.

 

[Craigerrr]

I'm not sure if keeping them frozen, or even refrigerated once vacuum sealed make a difference. I do vac seal mine and keep them in the freezer.

 

[Megary]

Easy way to check is to take a few pellets and rub them in your hand until they are crushed. Give them a whiff. You’ll get a good idea as to their worth.

When in doubt, always follow your nose.

 

[Craigerrr]

I sit patiently waiting for the obvious joke here, which would be how big my hop deep freezer must be....

 

[Vallka]

I have had vacuum packed and frozen hops for over 4 years and they are fine. All aroma and flavours are still there.

 

[Donoroto]

One data point: I have hops from 2018 and they are still as good as I need. I can’t say they are any different from when I got them. Frozen and vac sealed.