13 replies to this topic

[jammer]

So a buddy of mine brought me a big ol bag of Cascade hops he grew. This is the second harvest for him, and the first batch were very nice. This time, however, i laid them out on cookie sheets to dry before freezing and i noticed the pans were covered in little critters. They look like aphids to me, but i dont know for sure. Should i just toss them out? Is there a way to get rid of the critters? I know that freezing cigars will get rid of tobacoo beetles. Is this worth trying? I'd sure hate to waste the hops, but I dont really want to brew bug beer either.

[JReigle]

Hey, you never know... the additional protein could lead to killer head retention!

[CaptRon]

They would never survive the boil, would probably fall out of suspension but wouldn't hurt you anyways. Really comes down to if you are squeamish about things like that then don't use them.

[MyaCullen]

So a buddy of mine brought me a big ol bag of Cascade hops he grew. This is the second harvest for him, and the first batch were very nice. This time, however, i laid them out on cookie sheets to dry before freezing and i noticed the pans were covered in little critters. They look like aphids to me, but i dont know for sure. Should i just toss them out? Is there a way to get rid of the critters? I know that freezing cigars will get rid of tobacoo beetles. Is this worth trying? I'd sure hate to waste the hops, but I dont really want to brew bug beer either.

dude RDWHAHBharmless

[jammer]

dude RDWHAHBharmless

yea i figured as much. Dont want them little bastards in my house tho. I ended up putting them in my spare freezer. Ill let them stay in there for a few days, then take them out and finish drying. Thin ill vacuum seal and use them up.

[RommelMagic]

only problem is that I think one of the reasons for drying your hops is so that you don't freeze them wet.

[CoastieSteve]

See if they like CO2

[Greatfookin]

See if they like CO2

THIS

[HerrHiller]

Name suggestion: aphid ale

[jammer]

Name suggestion: aphid ale

I like...

[Stout_fan]

Name suggestion: aphid ale

So is the head of the pack the Alpha Aphid?just wondering....

[MolBasser]

Are they red? Spider mites most likely.BrewBasser

[jammer]

Are they red? Spider mites most likely.BrewBasser

no, little tiny light green critters.

[ThroatwobblerMangrove]

I had a variety of critters in my hops I used today. Not a high number in total but I think I saw an ant, some kind of small beetle, some tiny worm kind of things and some spiders.