Mystery Hop Harvest!

The mystery hop plant that has been growing in my front yard has been a source of excitement for me as I've seen it go from 'I think that's a hop" to hundreds of cones being developing. 

When the news of the hurricane coming up the coastline and the hop cones turning papery, it was time to pick the cones before the winds decided to take them.  Once I got into the bines, it turned out that there were more cones that I expected.  Even as the initial rains from the storm system started coming down, I was out there picking the last of them.  In the end, I collected 3/4 lbs hoppy goodness.

All the cones are now spread out on a screen in front of a fan drying in our basement.  Breaking a few open, the aroma is still a bit grassy with some floral and citrus notes to it.  Nothing citrusy like the American "C" hops, but a background note.  I'm planning to brew the Mystery Hop Pale Ale next weekend so that the hops don't go to waste, but I am a little concerned about the grassy, chlorophyll notes.  Where the cones picked to early?  Will the green aromas fade as they dry?  If anyone has any guidance, please let me know.

Either way, it's been a great fun this summer watching them develop!

Slainte!

-JW


"It's not easy being green."
-Kermit the Frog