First thing most people think of when they hear the word, “hops” is beer. Hops is added to beer to create a certain amount of bitterness. Most people are on one side of the fence or the other when choosing how bitter or “hoppy” they like their beer.
Different types of yeast add different flavors including but not limited to citrus, spicy, minty and grassy.
It also makes a great natural preservative. Hops is added to beer to control bacteria and stimulate yeast.
You can find small amounts in natural deodorants!
Hops is a perennial climbing vine. Male and female flowers are located on separate plants. The cone-shaped fruits (known as strobiles) are collected in the fall and carefully dried. Female strobiles are used in beer and mead production.
This herb has also been used in pillows to create a calming effect. It is in the Cannabinaceae family which includes hemp and cannabis.
