Pellet hops do not measure 1 oz.

I am, by nature, paranoid about things like this. I always measure my hops and have never had an issue.

 

I once had a hop union tettnang "1 oz" package that clearly felt light. I measured it at .45 oz. I used 1.45 oz's in that Helles.

 

Yeowch. I buy hops in 1-lb packages from Hops Direct, a farm here in Washington. They usually come in at 1.1 or 1.2 lbs -- that's like 3 free ounces. Woo!

 

I've never been that paranoid. Generally, homebrew stores are a little heavy-handed with measurements. I'd find something that weighs an oz and check the calibration on your scale. If you're right, you can take some pics and send an email.

 

Timely post.

Just bought 2-1# packages of hops from Nikobrew
Used a postal scale to weigh them both on arrival
RED flag: 1# on the fookin'money

Opened one bag last weekend then stored unused amount in another container.
Package weight: 11.5 grams (0.4 oz)

1# of Nikobrew packaged hops = 442.8 grams
Package weight (tare) = 11.5 grams
Shortage = -11.5 / 442.8 = -2.5%

Nikobrew claims to sell 'full' pounds.
Apparently not.
Buyer's deserve better.

---
This isn't just a problem with Nikobrew
Same experiences with the LHBS ... o-LHBS ... and the corner deli.

Buyer beware!

 

And I had to look. You can use 5 quarters or 28 large paper clips.

 

This is why you always buy slightly more hops than you need

 

I have a pretty good scale they goes out to .001 grams/ounce. I've only once had a commercial pack come up less than 1 ounce. BSG bag. Hop Union was .99 so I let it slide .


I know my scale is correct as its an expensive lab precision balance, that I calibrate. I've only been over weight on the bulk buys from places like Yakima and hops direct. Unless it's a hop they don't grow and contract then it's pretty spot on for the weight. Within an ounce.

 

Hops, like other commodities , can dry out and weigh less than when packaged...just say'in...never had a problem myself.

 

This is actually a big no-no for any business. I hear in the news a couple times a year a grocery store getting fined because their scales are off. I know my LHBS has a sticker from the Dept of Weights and Measures certifying the scales they use.

 

Ditto.

 

That sounds like my days in college, getting shorted on a dime bag

I usually weigh my hops, especially if I'm doing a 1.5 oz or 2.75 oz. addition, etc. I've noticed a few times the bag being at .9 oz, or sometimes I've even gotten a 1.1 oz! It's never been too off though, so I've never worried about it.

 

I've had the exact opposite experience from NikoBrew. I've probably bought 10# of hops from them in the past 18mo and every bag has been over 1#. Hope they haven't changed up their service. I haven't ordered in a while and am putting together my schedule for the next couple of months right now.

 

I could see losing .01-.03 oz from moisture loss. But losing .15 oz from moisture in pelletized hops would be pretty noticeable (if even possible in a sealed package) when you poured them on the scale.

I mean, the moisture content allowed for bailed hops is only 12%...assuming that pellets have the same moisture content as dried cones (doesn't seem likely) then it seems relatively unlikely that you could lose 15% of the weight through moisture loss.

I could be mistaken on the relation of moisture content and weight though.

 

They should be properly dried when packaged. If they 'dry out' they are likely oxidized and worthless.

And a big thumbs up to hopsdirect - their 'pounds' are usually 18-20oz, not to mention their extremely reasonable prices.

 

Seeds and stems included at no extra charge

 

If they are in an air-tight sealed package, then it won't weight less even if they do dry out.

 

2 beads of weed per seed...

 

I had this issue recently although I don't remember if the hops came from Farmhouse or Midwest as I'd ordered from both recently and didn't check. Bought a 1 lb bag that came up woefully short. Only 13 oz. I know my scale is calibrated because I usually buy from the LHBS and it always comes out right.