homegrown hop best utilization

[drunkrhino]

i will have a 1/2 oz of dried hops, cascade, off of my 1st year plant. I want to make either a pale ale or IPA but wanted to see how i could best use them so i can see how they affect the beer since i will obviously need more hops for my batch. i was thinking of putting them in at either 5 or 15min and using centennial for bittering. In Beersmith I plan to estimate them on the lower end of their alpha acids (about 5% or 5.5%). What do you think would be the best time? I am making a 2.5gallon batch.

[dmtaylor]

I think you've got the right idea. I'd use them all at 5 minutes. That way, you'll ensure flavor and aroma. Using them earlier in the boil will kill their character. And dry hopping may or may not work, depending on whether you picked them at the right time and how aromatic they were during picking. My Cascades last year were mostly just grassy, I must have picked a little too early. But boiled for a little bit, their character is sure to come through a little better. My 2 cents.

[Irish Kevin]

I think you've got the right idea. I'd use them all at 5 minutes. That way, you'll ensure flavor and aroma. Using them earlier in the boil will kill their character. And dry hopping may or may not work, depending on whether you picked them at the right time and how aromatic they were during picking. My Cascades last year were mostly just grassy, I must have picked a little too early. But boiled for a little bit, their character is sure to come through a little better. My 2 cents.

DMTaylor,
Thanks for the advice. I just harvested my first year Cascade hops too and I wondered what the best time for boiling would be.
Has anyone had luck on different flavoring times; 15, 10, 5, or 0 minutes?

[Tom from Raleigh]

I threw my first year cones right in the serving keg or as dry hops in combination with pellets. I don't need any bitterness from them, so I don't use them in the boil. I want that fresh taste and aroma.