 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.
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Availability
of Hop Plants
If you would like to know when hops
are available please add your name to the mailing
list and we'll let you know as each variety is
ready.
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Rhizomes ready for planting
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Hops are hardy, perennial
plants which produces annual vines from a permanent
root stock or crown. Vines may grow up to 25 feet
in a single season but will die back to the crown
each autumn. In addition to the true roots and
the vine, the crown also produces underground stems
called rhizomes which possess numerous buds and
are used for vegetative propagation.
Hops
prefer deep, well drained soil as they put down a very
strong underground root structure - the true roots
can penetrate to a depth of more than 4 metres. During
the first year there may be only slow vegetative growth
and few flowers as the plant develops its rootstock.
Abundant growth and a good hop crop can be expected
in the second year. A couple of applications of a nitrogen-rich
fertilizer or manure between March and June will help
ensure a good crop. Plant early in the spring about
1 metre apart and provide a strong support system for
the vines - anything between 2 and 4 metres will work
fine. Harvest dates will vary according to variety
and location but at maturity the hop aroma will be
very strong when the cone is rubbed between the fingers.
The cones develop a drier, papery feel and tend to
become lighter in colour - some browning of the lower
bracts is a good sign of ripenesss.
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