Hops

Introduction

Hops in a field

Hops are an essential ingredient in the brewing of beer, imparting flavor, aroma, and bitterness to the beverage. These flowers, scientifically known as Humulus lupulus, are cultivated primarily for their use in the brewing industry. Hops have a long history and play a crucial role in determining the characteristics and quality of beer. In this article, we will explore the cultivation, varieties, uses, and health benefits of hops.

Cultivation

Hops are perennial plants that belong to the family Cannabaceae. They require a specific set of growing conditions to thrive. These conditions include a temperate climate, well-drained soil, and ample sunlight. Hops are typically grown on trellises or strings, allowing their vines to climb and reach their full height, which can range from 4 to 7 meters (13 to 23 feet).

Varieties

There are numerous hop varieties cultivated around the world, each with its own distinct characteristics and flavors. Some popular hop varieties include:

Cascade

Cascade hops are known for their floral, citrusy, and spicy aromas. They have been widely used in American craft brewing and are often associated with the classic "West Coast" style of hop-forward beers.

Hallertau

Hallertau hops, primarily grown in Germany, are renowned for their mild and earthy aroma. They are commonly used in traditional German beer styles, such as lagers and wheat beers.

Fuggle

Fuggle hops, originating from England, have a delicate and earthy aroma. They are often used in English-style ales and contribute to a balanced bitterness.

Centennial

Centennial hops are celebrated for their intense floral, citrus, and pine aromas. They are frequently used in American IPAs (India Pale Ales) and other hop-forward beers.

Brewing and Flavor Contributions

Hop cones

Hops are primarily used in the brewing process to add bitterness, aroma, and flavor to beer. When hops are added during boiling, they release alpha acids, which contribute to the bitter taste. The bitterness of hops helps balance the sweetness of the malted barley used in beer production.

In addition to bitterness, hops also impart unique flavors and aromas. Different hop varieties can contribute floral, citrusy, piney, spicy, or herbal notes to the finished beer. Brewers carefully select and combine hop varieties to achieve the desired flavor profiles in their beers.

Health Benefits

Hops have been recognized for their potential health benefits beyond their use in brewing. While further research is needed, some studies suggest the following health benefits associated with hops:

Sedative and Relaxant Properties

Hops contain compounds such as alpha acids and essential oils that have been found to possess sedative and relaxing effects. These properties have been traditionally utilized for their calming and sleep-inducing properties.

Antioxidant Properties

Hops are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These antioxidants have potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and protecting against oxidative stress.

Phytoestrogens

Hops contain certain compounds known as phytoestrogens, which have estrogen-like effects. These compounds have been studied for their potential role in hormone regulation and menopausal symptom relief, although more research is needed to fully understand their effects.

Liver toxicity of Hops

Hops have not been implicated in causing serum enzyme elevations or clinically apparent liver injury.

Mechanism of action of Hops

Hop (Humulus lupulus) is a perennial plant that is used largely as a flavoring in the production of beer.  The hop plant is cultivated as a vine that grows around a physical support and produces shoots, heart shaped dark green leaves, fresh cones and flowers that are borne on lateral branches.  The cones and flowers are used to prepare hops which have a distinctive bitter taste, attributed to lupulin, an aromatic acid.  Other components of hops include several flavonoids, phenolic acid, volatile oils, tannins and resins.  Besides its wide use as a flavoring agent for food and beer, hops is used as an ingredient in many creams and lotions. 

What it is used for?

Extracts of hops have been used in oral herbal medications predominantly as a sedative for anxiety, tension and difficulty sleeping.  While widely used, it has not been proven to be effective either as a sedative or hypnotic.  Hops is found in multiple over-the-counter herbal mixtures in combination with other agents such as chamomile, passion flower and valerian, used as sleeping aids or mild sedatives. 

Side effects of Hops

Side effects are few, but may include drowsiness, dizziness and hypersensitivity reactions

See Also

Beer Brewing Craft Beer Health Benefits of Beer

Herbal and dietary supplements

• Aloe Vera, Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Bilberry, Black Cohosh, Butterbur, Cat's Claw, Cascara, Chaparral, Comfrey, Crofelemer, Echinacea, Ephedra, Fenugreek, Flavocoxid, Garcinia cambogia, Germander, Ginkgo, Ginseng, Greater Celandine, Green Tea, Hoodia, Hops, Horse Chestnut, Hyssop, Kava Kava, Kratom, Lavender, Maca, Margosa Oil, Melatonin, Milk Thistle, Noni, Passionflower, Pennyroyal Oil, Red Yeast Rice, Resveratrol, Saw Palmetto, Senna, Skullcap, Spirulina, St. John's Wort, Turmeric, Usnic Acid, Valerian, Yohimbine

Chinese and Other Asian Herbal Medicines

• Ba Jiao Lian, Bol Gol Zhee, Chi R Yun, Jin Bu Huan, Ma Huang, Sho Saiko To and Dai Saiko To, Shou Wu Pian

Multi-Ingredient Nutritional Supplements

• Herbalife, Hydroxycut, Move Free, OxyELITE Pro, SLIMQUICK

See also Nutritional supplements

• Dailymed label info on Hops
• FDA Hops

Hops Resources
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