Humulus lupulus
Hop
Explore the size, hardiness, soil, light, edible uses and harvest period of Humulus lupulus.
Plant Properties
Growth conditions
Well-drained, Moist
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)
Acidic Neutral Alkaline
Partial shade, Full sun
Usage properties
Leaves, Root, Sap, Tea, rutine
Dye, Essential oil, Fibre, Paper, Bee forage
Description
Young leaves and shoots of this plant can be cooked and have a unique, delicious flavor. The young leaves are also suitable for salads and are best used before the end of May. They contain rutin, a substance that is beneficial for health. The rhizomes of the plant are sometimes eaten, and tea can be made from the leaves and cones. This tea has a mild calming effect. The dried flowering tops of the female plant are used as a flavoring and preservative in beer and also have medicinal properties. They contain bitter-tasting yellow glands that prevent harmful bacteria from growing in beer or wort. The seeds of this plant contain gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid that is rare in plant sources and has important functions in the human body. The essential oil from the flowers is used as a flavoring in grain beverages, mineral water, and other foods such as non-alcoholic drinks, dairy desserts, candies, baked goods, and pudding. The maximum allowable amount of this oil in food products is set at 0.072%.