Quality assurance comes in many forms at Crosby Hops. We test our hop products every step of their journey from field sampling and in-process production all the way to cold storage and product returns. One of the key areas of QA that affects every end hop user is creating a certificate of analysis for each lot we produce and sell.
Near-infrared (NIR) technology is a spectroscopic method that uses the near-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum (from 780 nm to 2500 nm) providing rapid and accurate analysis that is well suited for food and agricultural products. This super-fast, chemical free testing method is a game changer for our quality and production teams.
We developed a testing method that allows us to maintain the integrity of our ASBC method-based certificates of analysis while utilizing the quick, chemical-free NIR spectrometer for in-process testing in the pellet plant. This adoption of NIR technology allows us to test every mixing tank blend of hops to establish alpha acid consistency across all lots. This also serves as a real-time sustainable quality control tool. Our production team can test a sample during processing and within minutes have accurate data to reference for adjustments up stream. By comparing all NIR results with lab testing, we continually update our NIR model to provide the most accurate results.