What is the best way to store hops?

What’s the best way to properly store opened hops?

Hops are expensive, and if you’ve got some spare, keeping them fresh makes good sense. Freezing leftover hops is common practice among brewers—it preserves their aromatic oils and alpha acids.

If you’ve bought a vacuum-sealed packet of hops and have leftovers, just freeze them until your next brew day.

To freeze opened hops:

Place the hops in a clean zip-lock bag.
Fold over the top to expel as much air as you can, then seal. If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to remove the rest of the oxygen.
Label the bag with the hop variety so you won’t forget what’s inside.
Store the bag in the freezer until you need it.

Proper sealing slows oxidation; freezing adds an extra layer of protection.

You can also refrigerate the hops

Store hops in a fresh zip-lock bag or other airtight container. Properly sealed hops can remain fresh in the refrigerator for up to a year.

How to get cheap hops

Specialty brewing shops often offload older hops to regular customers. Follow your local brew shop on social media and watch for giveaways when they clear out old stock.

Signing off
As long as your hops haven’t been exposed to too much oxygen, they’ll keep well and you won’t have to worry about staleness.

Understanding Hop Storage for Optimal Brewing

To keep hops at their best and ensure maximum flavor, it’s crucial to know what degrades them and how to guard against it.

The enemies of hops: temperature, oxygen, and light

Temperature – Store hops cold (1°C–5°C / 34°F–41°F). Freezing won’t harm them and helps lock in oils. Avoid temperature swings.
Oxygen – Oxidation dulls bitterness and creates off-flavors. Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
Light – UV exposure leads to “skunky” off-flavors. Keep hops in opaque, airtight containers.

Best practices for hops storage

Vacuum sealing – Reseal opened packages immediately. Vacuum sealing is ideal; if you can’t, squeeze out as much air as you can.
Packaging – Use mylar foil bags or glass jars with tight lids. CO₂ flushing adds extra protection.
Refrigeration/freezing – Store in the fridge or (better) the freezer. Cold slows the breakdown of alpha acids and oils.
Use promptly – Once opened, aim to use hops within a few days for best aroma and bitterness.

Hop Storage Index (HSI)

HSI measures oxidized vs. non-oxidized hop acids.
HSI ≤ 0.32: fresh hops.
HSI 0.33–0.40: slightly aged.
HSI > 0.40: quality is questionable.

Additional tips for homebrewers

Buy in bulk – Less handling means fresher hops overall.
CO₂ flushing – Displace oxygen in storage containers for longer-term freshness.
Avoid odors – Keep hops away from strong-smelling items; they can absorb unwanted aromas.