How can spoiled hop pellets be identified?

Spoiled hop pellets can be identified by their distinct changes in odor. When hops are fresh, they typically possess a pleasant, vibrant aroma characterized by floral, citrus, and herbal notes. In contrast, once they begin to spoil, the hop pellets may develop unpleasant odors that could resemble herby or solvent-like characteristics. This change is often caused by the breakdown of hop compounds, specifically the essential oils responsible for the desirable aromas.

In evaluating the other options, spoiled hop pellets would not typically smell like fresh fruit, which indicates freshness rather than deterioration. The appearance of dull and dusty pellets may suggest some loss of quality, but it is not a definitive indicator of spoilage. Similarly, while brown and shriveled pellets do signal some degree of spoilage, the most reliable identification element remains the off-putting odor that indicates a significant alteration in the hop's chemical composition and freshness.