Hops

Humulus lupulus

Hops

There are about 170 species in the Cannabaceae family but the Hops plant and the cannabis plant are without a doubt winning the popularity contest. Hops are a perennial climbing plant, which dies back in the fall and produces new shoots in the spring. The mature female flower cones of the vine known as Hops Strobiles have been dried and used in the production of beer. Reinheitsgebot German Purity Law adopted in 1516, states, “The only ingredients used for the brewing of beer must be barley, hops, yeast and water“. Hops impart a bitter flavor and balance the sweetness of the malt, and also contain naturally occurring chemicals that keep bacterial growth in check. Hops also contribute floral, citrus, and herbal aromas and flavors to beer. The first historical mention of the use of hops in beer was from 822 AD in monastery rules written by Adalhard the Elder.

What is Hops Used For?

The resins contained in hops flowers lupulin and humulin have been linked with normalizing bacterial growth and contribute to the use of hops in the fermentation process used to make beer. Hops also contain appreciable amounts of plant estrogens. It has been observed in female hops pickers an absence of or delay in menses theoretically related to high exposure to estrogens in the hops. This effect should indicate that excessive beer consumption in men may not add to their virility at all! Hops have also been used to support deep and restful sleep, support a healthy response to stress, and help promote relaxation.