Overview of New Zealand Hops & NZ Hops Ltd.
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Overview of New Zealand Hops & NZ Hops LTD.
New Zealand is well known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. But did you know that it's also home to some of the world's finest hop farms? Hops are a key ingredient in beer brewing, and the Kiwi hop industry is thriving. Here's everything you need to know about New Zealand hop farms and why they're so special.
NZ Hops Ltd, a cooperative of 27 growers, is the market leader in the New Zealand hops industry and supplies New Zealand grown hops to 20 countries around the world. Yakima Chief Hops, also grower owned, has now partnered with NZHops Ltd. to provide the North American market and beyond the New Zealand experience.
A Brief History of New Zealand Hops
Hops have been grown in New Zealand for over a century, but it wasn't until the 1980s that the industry really took off. Today, New Zealand is one of the largest hop producers in the world, exporting hops to over 50 countries. The country's unique climate, soil, and water conditions make it an ideal location for growing high-quality hops.
Types of Hops Grown in New Zealand:
New Zealand hop farms grow a wide variety of hop varieties, each with its own unique flavor and aroma profiles. Some of the most popular varieties grown in the country include:
Pacific Jade: This hop has a distinctive spicy and herbal flavor, with notes of black pepper and fresh pine. It's used in a wide range of beer styles, including IPAs and pale ales.
Nelson Sauvin: This hop is named after the Sauvignon Blanc grape, and it has a similar flavor profile. It's known for its fruity and wine-like flavor, with notes of gooseberry, passion fruit, and white wine.
Motueka: This hop has a bright and zesty flavor, with notes of lemon and lime. It's a popular choice for pale ales, IPAs, and wheat beers.
Riwaka: This hop has a unique, tropical fruit flavor, with notes of passion fruit and grapefruit. It's a popular choice for IPAs and pale ales.
Nectaron: newly developed hop variety that is gaining popularity among brewers. Nectaron hops is known for its unique flavor and aroma profile, which is characterized by notes of stone fruit, tropical fruit, and a hint of citrus. This hop variety is particularly well-suited for use in hoppy beers, such as IPAs, pale ales, and double IPAs, where it can contribute a bold and fruity character. Nectaron hops are also known for their high oil content, which helps to provide a smooth and balanced bitterness to beers. Additionally, Nectaron hops are prized for their versatility and ability to complement a wide range of hop and malt flavors, making them a popular choice among brewers of all styles.
Differences between North American Hops and New Zealand Hops:
American and New Zealand hops are two of the most popular hop varieties used in brewing. While they share some similarities, there are some key differences between these two hop types.
Flavor and Aroma: American hops are known for their bold and assertive flavor and aroma, with notes of citrus, pine, and resin. New Zealand hops, on the other hand, have a more subtle and nuanced character, with notes of tropical fruit, stone fruit, and sometimes a hint of wine.
Bitterness: American hops are generally more bitter than New Zealand hops, which are known for their smooth and balanced bitterness. This can make American hops a better choice for beers that require a strong hop presence, such as IPAs and pale ales.
Growing Conditions: American hops are grown primarily in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, where the climate and soil conditions are ideal for hop cultivation. New Zealand hops, on the other hand, are grown in a more temperate climate, with a longer growing season. This allows New Zealand hop growers to produce hops with a more nuanced and complex flavor profile.
Availability: American hops are widely available and are used in a wide range of beer styles, from lagers to stouts. New Zealand hops, while less common, are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique flavor and aroma profiles.
If you’re interested in knowing more about NZHops Ltd., purchasing New Zealand varieties or just want to talk NZ Hops, feel free to contact Devin Biondi or Shanleigh