With the key data on hop cultivation area, hop harvest quantity, alpha acid production and beer output, the BarthHaas Report has been providing the… learn more...
Unrestricted hop trade is essential for the global brewing industry learn more...
Hops belong to the hemp family (lat. Cannabinaceae). Since only the female plants form cones, the male plants must be eradicated (exception: UK). The commercial life span is 12 to 20 years on average. For optimal growth and yield, the hop plant needs a loamy or sandy soil (loose, deep, well drained). It can then develop roots of up to 2 meters in length. During the growing season, hops need a lot of light (up to 18 hours per day). In addition, hops must be grown under moderate climatic conditions, such as sufficient heat and humidity.
Hops are grown between the 35th and 55th latitude (south and north).
Currently, the USA has the largest hop growing area. Germany and the Czech Republic follow in second and third place.
The main criteria consist of:
Most often hops are confronted with fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and peronospora, or pests such as hop aphids and spider mites.
Here we are at a water content of 75-80%.
