Harvesting Amarillo Plant:
Timing and Techniques

The Amarillo plant, also known as the Yellow Hop Cone, is a popular variety of hop plant used in brewing beer. Harvesting this plant is an important process that determines the quality of the hops used in beer production. In this article, we will discuss the timing and techniques for harvesting Amarillo plants.

Timing for Harvesting Amarillo Plants

Timing is crucial when it comes to harvesting Amarillo plants. The ideal time to harvest these plants is when the cones are fully matured, but not overripe. The cones should be firm to the touch and have a distinct aroma. The cones typically ripen in late summer or early fall.

To determine if the cones are ready for harvest, you can perform a simple test. Take a few cones and squeeze them gently. If they bounce back to their original shape, they are not yet ready for harvesting. If they stay compressed, they are ready for picking.

Techniques for Harvesting Amarillo Plants

Harvesting Amarillo plants requires some skill and knowledge of the plant’s growth patterns. Here are some techniques that can help you harvest your Amarillo plants effectively:

1. Hand-Picking

Hand-picking is the most common technique used for harvesting Amarillo plants. This method involves manually plucking the hops off the vines by hand. It is a time-consuming process but allows you to select only fully matured cones.

When hand-picking, it’s important to wear gloves to protect your hands from the prickly hop vines. You should also avoid picking wet cones as they can spoil quickly.

2. Strip-Picking

Strip-picking is another method used for harvesting Amarillo plants. This technique involves stripping the hops off the vines by hand or using a specialized stripping machine.

Strip-picking is faster than hand-picking but can result in immature or damaged cones being harvested along with mature ones. It’s important to sort through the harvested cones carefully to remove any unwanted material.

3. Machine Harvesting

Machine harvesting is a more efficient way of harvesting Amarillo plants, especially for large-scale operations. The machine uses a series of rotating blades to cut and collect the hop bines.

However, machine harvesting can result in a higher level of leaf material being collected along with the cones. This can negatively affect the final quality of the hops and require additional processing.

Drying and Storing Amarillo Hops

After harvesting, it’s essential to dry and store your Amarillo hops correctly to maintain their quality and flavor.

Drying should take place immediately after harvesting to prevent spoilage. Spread out the cones on a drying screen or tray in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

Once dry, store your hops in an airtight container at a temperature between 0°C and 5°C. This will help preserve their freshness and flavor for up to three years.

FAQ

Q: Can I harvest my Amarillo plants before they are fully matured?

A: No, it’s important to wait until the cones are fully matured before harvesting them. Immature cones will not provide optimal flavor or bitterness in beer production.

Q: Is hand-picking or machine harvesting better for my small-scale hop garden?

A: Hand-picking is recommended for small-scale gardens as it allows you to select only fully matured cones and avoid damaging them during harvest.

Q: Can I dry my hops in direct sunlight?

A: No, direct sunlight can cause your hops to degrade quickly and lose their flavor profile. It’s best to dry your hops in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.

In conclusion, harvesting Amarillo plants requires careful timing and technique to ensure optimal flavor and bitterness in beer production. Whether you choose hand-picking, strip-picking or machine harvesting, make sure to sort through your harvested cones carefully before drying and storing them correctly for long-lasting freshness and quality.