Fresh Hop Cultivation Transforming the Beer Sector: Insights into the Revolutionary Impact of Unprocessed Hops on Brewing
Fresh hops, unkilned and harvested straight from the field, are making a splash in the world of beer brewing, particularly in Washington State. These unique hops, with their intense, complex aromas and fresh, fruity notes, are the star ingredient in many seasonal "fresh-hopped" beers.
Located in Mabton, Washington State, Sauve and Son Farms is at the heart of this fresh hop revolution. Founded in 1938, the farm has been growing hops for nearly a century, and Vice President Erik Sauve oversees the cultivation of 10 different hop varieties. These include popular choices like Simcoe, Cascade, Amarillo, Citra, Mosaic, Columbus, Warrior, Ekuanot, HBC 682, and Idaho 7.
The fresh hop farming process begins with the harvest. Using a top cutter and a picking machine, the hop bines are transported to the picking machine for further processing. The hop cones, the key component in beer brewing, are carefully separated from the leaves and stems, while the latter are sent to a compost pile.
Once harvested, fresh hops must be used quickly due to their rapid degradation. They are not stored for long periods, with brewers often visiting the farm to pick up their orders and take the hops directly to the brewery for immediate use. Fresh hops can be any hop variety grown, but aroma hops are most commonly requested.
Fresh hop beers can range from traditional styles like IPAs and Pale Ales to experimental brews. In Washington State, Fresh hop IPAs are particularly popular. These beers showcase the unique, vivid hop character of fresh hops, with fresh, vegetal or fruity notes that cannot be replicated by dried hops.
The key differences between fresh hops, wet hops, and dry hops lie in their processing, timing of use, and the flavor/aroma profiles they impart. Fresh hops, used very soon after harvest (usually within 24 hours), provide a distinctly intense, complex aroma, with fresh, bright, fruity notes. Wet hops, a term sometimes used interchangeably with fresh hops, is less favored due to its potential to imply sogginess or less desirable qualities. Dry hops, on the other hand, are dried and added later to boost aroma without increasing bitterness.
Using fresh hops requires approximately three times the amount of hops compared to using pellets, due to the lack of concentration and high green material content. Despite this, the unique flavor profile they impart makes them a sought-after ingredient in the brewing world.
As fresh hop farming continues to grow, it is fostering relationships between farms and breweries, with brewers often visiting the farm to pick up their orders. This collaboration not only benefits the breweries by providing fresh, high-quality hops but also supports the local economy.
In conclusion, fresh hops provide a unique, vivid hop character with fresh, vegetal or fruity notes, often used in seasonal "fresh-hopped" beers. Dry hops, on the other hand, are dried and added later to boost aroma without increasing bitterness. The ongoing debate about what constitutes Fresh Hops, with some considering them to be only wet hops, while others believe both wet and recently kiln dried hops are considered Fresh, adds to the intrigue of this fascinating aspect of beer brewing.
[1] Brewers Association. (n.d.). Fresh Hops. Retrieved from https://www.brewersassociation.org/resources/fresh-hops/
[3] Craft Beer & Brewing Magazine. (2017, August 1). The Art of Dry Hopping. Retrieved from https://www.craftbeer.com/techniques/the-art-of-dry-hopping
- Sauve and Son Farms, with its 10 different hop varieties, plays a pivotal role in the financial success of many breweries by supplying fresh hops, which are a crucial ingredient in craft beer production, particularly for seasonal fresh-hopped beers.
- While wet hops, or freshly harvested hops, are less favored due to their potential to imply sogginess, they still offer a unique flavor profile in home-and-garden and food-and-drink industry, as they provide a distinctly intense, complex aroma with fresh, bright, fruity notes, when used immediately.
- The growing fresh hop farming revolution is significantly influencing the lifestyle and business landscape, fostering collaborative relationships between farms and breweries, with technology playing a key role in streamlining processes like hop harvesting and transportation.
