The UK harvest usually starts in early September and depending on varieties grown and size of farm, it may continue into early October. Arguably the most important aspect of hop farming is the drying. Once clean of leaf, the hops are distributed into baskets and put into the hop kiln to dry. Hops contain over 80% moisture when picked and in order to make them store, this is reduced to about 10%.

To help preserve the hops they can be stored in a cold store and baled for 1 year; if vacuum packed for 2 years; if pelleted and vacuum packed for 5 years.