The
hop plant (Humulus
lupulus) is a rough twining vine with separate male and female
plants. The male plant has a finely branched inflorescence whilst
the female plant bears flowers in the form of cones - the parts of
the plant that are used in brewing. The mature hop cones are generally
between 2 cm and 8 cm long, yellowish green, and papery to the touch.
The cones are harvested and dried in August and September - vigorous
varieties will produce as much as 1 Kg of dried flowers per plant.
The dried hop cones are used in brewing for bittering, flavour and
aroma and preservation. Hop varieties get their properties or active
principles from small yellowish glands at the base of the cone petals
within the bracts or scales. The gland is covered by a waxy skin
within which lies all of the unique bittering (alpha acids) and aromatic
(oil) compounds. These glands are referred to as Lupulin.
The quality of hops depends largely on the amount of lupulin they
contain and when derived from the fresh hop flowers it is more abundant
and of better quality. The alpha acid level
determines the bitterness of a particular hop variety and the higher
the percentage alpha acid by weight the more bitter the hop in direct
proportion. See Hop
choice & cultivation or
for general gardening advice visit the Willingham
Nurseries Library. As usual, this time of year
has seen a surge in orders for hop plants and we have temporarily
suspended
taking new orders whilst we sort out the stock. Pot grown Fuggle,
Santiam, Willamette and Saaz will be available shortly with more
to follow. If you want to be one of the first to know when they are
available then just leave your email address below and we'll contact
you very soon.
