What is Hops?

Hops are the dried strobiles, the cone-like female flowers, of Humulus lupulus, a perennial climbing vine in the hemp family (Cannabaceae), the same botanical family as cannabis. They are best known as the bittering and aromatic ingredient of beer.

About the plant

Hops are native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere and have been used in brewing since at least the 9th century, when monastic European brewers adopted them in place of earlier bittering herb mixtures known as gruit. The cones carry the resins and essential oils, including the alpha and beta acids humulone and lupulone, that give beer its bitterness and aroma. Different varieties lend citrusy, piney, or earthy notes.

Hops: form & sizes

We carry Hops as whole dried strobiles, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Hops in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Hops at a glance

Botanical name

Humulus lupulus

Family

Cannabaceae

Native region

the temperate Northern Hemisphere

Plant part

strobiles (flower cones)

Also known as

Hop cones, Strobiles

Characteristic compounds

Humulone, lupulone, essential oils

Form

whole dried strobiles

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb