Hungarian goulash

Humulus lupulus (commonly known as the hop) is a species of flowering plant in the Cannabaceae family, native to Europe, western Asia, and North America. It is used primarily as a flavoring and stability agent in beer, to which, in addition to bitterness, it imparts floral, fruity, or citrus flavors and aromas.

Description

Humulus lupulus is a perennial, herbaceous plant which sends up new shoots in early spring and dies back to a cold-hardy rhizome in autumn. It is a climbing plant, growing up to 10 meters high or more, with the help of structures, such as trees, on which it can climb.

Cultivation

The cultivation of hops for use in the brewing industry is a major part of the agriculture of countries such as Germany, the United States, and England. The plant is cultivated for its female flowers, which are used in brewing beer. The male flowers are culled from the fields to prevent fertilization, which would lead to less desirable, seeded fruit.

Uses

The primary use of hops is as a flavoring and preservative agent in beer. Hops are also used for various purposes in other beverages and herbal medicine. In herbal medicine, the plant has been used to treat everything from indigestion to anxiety. However, the effectiveness of these treatments has not been scientifically proven.

Varieties

There are many varieties of hops, including 'Aurora', 'Cascade', and 'Fuggle'. Each variety has its own unique combination of bitterness, flavor, and aroma.

See also

• Beer
• Herbal medicine
• Cannabaceae

References

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