Hops are the female flowers of the hop plant, Humulus lupulus.
The first documented use of hops in beer is from the ninth century. Originally the hop shoots were primarily used as a source of food for the poor before it was discovered their use enhances the flavor of beer.
Before the introduction of hops, brewers had used a wide variety of bitter herbs and flowers, including dandelion, burdock root, marigold, ground ivy, and heather.
The introduction of hops from the Netherlands around 1475 resulted in English breweries starting to manufacture continental beer as well as the "hop-less" ale.
Hop cultivation was began in the present-day United States in 1629 by English and Dutch farmers.
A study has found that the hops found in beer not only add flavor, but also may lessen the damaging effects of alcohol on the liver.
Hops contain antioxidants, but you'd have to drink 118 gallons of beer a day to see any health benefit from them.
Hops naturally produce an acid that can kill a parasitic mite known to destroy entire colonies of honey bees. Hops have shown such promise in preventing Colony Collapse Disorder, the EPA approved their use in 2015 as a biochemical pesticide around hives.
The hops used in beer are in the same biological family of flowering plants as marijuana. This is why some beers might taste/smell somewhat like cannabis.
 |
| Hop flower. Pixiebay |
The first documented use of hops in beer is from the ninth century. Originally the hop shoots were primarily used as a source of food for the poor before it was discovered their use enhances the flavor of beer.
Before the introduction of hops, brewers had used a wide variety of bitter herbs and flowers, including dandelion, burdock root, marigold, ground ivy, and heather.
The introduction of hops from the Netherlands around 1475 resulted in English breweries starting to manufacture continental beer as well as the "hop-less" ale.
Hop cultivation was began in the present-day United States in 1629 by English and Dutch farmers.
 |
| Early season hop growth in a hop yard in Washington's Yakima River Valley. |
A study has found that the hops found in beer not only add flavor, but also may lessen the damaging effects of alcohol on the liver.
Hops contain antioxidants, but you'd have to drink 118 gallons of beer a day to see any health benefit from them.
Hops naturally produce an acid that can kill a parasitic mite known to destroy entire colonies of honey bees. Hops have shown such promise in preventing Colony Collapse Disorder, the EPA approved their use in 2015 as a biochemical pesticide around hives.
The hops used in beer are in the same biological family of flowering plants as marijuana. This is why some beers might taste/smell somewhat like cannabis.
No comments:
Post a Comment