Hops
Animation: Samuel Tebllion Sound: Beyza-Gül Yüksel
Plant Whisper
Hops originally gained importance because their bactericidal bitter compounds significantly contributed to the preservation of beer during brewing. The antiseptic properties of hops were described in 1153 AD by Hildegard von Bingen in her Physica (Book I, chapter on plants): "Hops are warm and dry and have a certain bitterness that reduces putrefaction in humans." In 1885, Max Hayduck at the Berlin Institute for Fermentation Industries definitively proved the antiseptic effect of hop bitter compounds.
The German Purity Law of 1516 established the three essential ingredients of beer: water, malt, and hops.
However, beer consumption in Germany has been declining for some years now, so it is advisable to find other uses for hops. Did you know that hop cones are also edible? Hop shoot tips or young shoots fried in butter are a special delicacy, similar to asparagus.
Botanical Facts
Moist, nutrient-rich forests
frost-resistant down to -28°C
Europe, Western Asia, North America
July, August
Sun to partial shade
permeable to humic
Healing Properties
Insomnia, calming, loss of appetite, digestive problems
Features
300 - 1000 cm
❀ (flowers), 🌿 (herb)
A valuable, bee-friendly native climbing plant that serves as a food plant for butterfly caterpillars and offers nectar and pollen to bees from July to August.
⚕ (medicinal plant), 🍽 (edible), 🔧 (beer brewing)
Cultivation of female plants for beer refinement.
Endangerment Level
* Least Concern
All information about herbs has been carefully compiled but does not claim to be complete. None of the information provided constitutes medical advice.
GOLDEN RULE for EVERYTHING: Eat only what you know! The rule applies: a handful of wild plants per person and day may be collected on public land. Use only washed plant parts that you can identify clearly – when in doubt, please refrain from using them.
TIP: One advantage of buying over-the-counter medicines from a pharmacy or specialist retailer is the expert advice on your symptoms.
