using green hops

[BrewCat]

I re established some cascade hops I planted years ago and have nice bunch of cones ripening. I used to dry them for use but am considering using them wet this time. I think Im just going to throw them in at flame out in a hop sack. Does anyone have any hints. Also can I freeze them before drying them. I'll only have enough for maybe 2 or 3 batches

 

[BeerSmith]

Its best if you brew within 1-3 days of picking if you use wet hops. Also you need to use 5-8x as much hops by weight since you have so much water in the wet hops:
https://beersmith.com/blog/2016/03/22/using-fresh-wet-hops-in-home-brewed-beer/

 

[BrewCat]

Ive read about it but has anyone done it? and is it worth it

 

[BeerSmith]

In many cases it gives a fresh hop aroma and flavor but it can also sometimes lead to vegetal or lawn mower flavor from the fresh hops. However you do get a different aroma and flavor profile than you do with dried hops, and some varieties can work well with wet hops.

 

[BrewCat]

In many cases it gives a fresh hop aroma and flavor but it can also sometimes lead to vegetal or lawn mower flavor from the fresh hops. However you do get a different aroma and flavor profile than you do with dried hops, and some varieties can work well with wet hops.

well yes that is what I read
I don't want a beer that tastes like grass
how can I avoid that
I have my grain measured out in a sealed bucket and feeling the hops daily
I intend to pick and brew the same day if I can

 

[BeerSmith]

Which variety of hop are you working with as some like Fuggles are more prone to grassy flavors.

 

[BrewCat]

Cascade hops

 

[BeerSmith]

Those are less prone to grassy flavors though of course your profile won't be the same as the dried hops.

 

[BrewCat]

that's good to know
now I will do it and report back
I will add 2 qts extra water so figured to toss in an extra lb of base grain
depending how much hops weight I get, I will whirlpool 6-8 oz and dry hop 6-8 oz
figured to squeeze the whirlpool addition but not the dry hop addition
going to be some type of IPA

 

[clwhittjr]

How do you use fresh hops in the Beersmith software? If I select "Leaf" or "Plug" and multiply the amount by the suggested 5 to 6 times, the IBUs go off the chart. What am I missing here?

 

[BeerSmith]

How do you use fresh hops in the Beersmith software? If I select "Leaf" or "Plug" and multiply the amount by the suggested 5 to 6 times, the IBUs go off the chart. What am I missing here?

The basic method is to take the current alpha percentage and divide it by 5-8x as the wet hops has a lot more water. So a 12% alpha hops you might only treat as a 2% hops in the recipe which will force you to use a lot more wet hops to achieve your target IBU level.

 

[clwhittjr]

The basic method is to take the current alpha percentage and divide it by 5-8x as the wet hops has a lot more water. So a 12% alpha hops you might only treat as a 2% hops in the recipe which will force you to use a lot more wet hops to achieve your target IBU level.

In retrospect, an obvious hack. Thanks!