Organic Hops Flower

Organic Hops Flower are whole hops flowers (Humulus lupulus), the papery green cones of the hop vine, pre-dried to keep their natural aroma and flavor. They are a tried-and-true ingredient for homebrewing, but just as useful for teas, blends, sachets and new projects. They are offered in 4oz, 1LB and 10lb sizes.

At a glance

• Whole dried Humulus lupulus cones, pre-dried
• Carry alpha acids (humulone), beta acids (lupulone), xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin
• Essential oil rich in myrcene and humulene, no caffeine
• Tea: steep 1-2 teaspoons for 5-7 minutes
• For homebrewing, teas, blends and sachets
• Sizes: 4oz, 1LB and 10lb

The herb. Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a vigorous climbing perennial in the family Cannabaceae, native to Europe, western Asia and North America. The female cones hold yellow lupulin glands packed with resins and oils. Hops entered beer in medieval Germany, and hop pillows were a European custom for the restless. The cones carry alpha acids (humulone), beta acids (lupulone), the prenylflavonoids xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin, and an essential oil rich in myrcene and humulene.

What's in it. The dried cones carry lupulin glands filled with bitter alpha and beta acids, prenylflavonoids, essential oils and tannins. The alpha acids are what brewers count on for bitterness when the cones are boiled; the oils give the piney, citrus and herbal aroma. There is no caffeine.

Dosage, first time. For tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried hop flowers in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, then strain. Hop tea is bitter, so start at the lower amount and shorter steep and sweeten with honey. For brewing, add the cones to your recipe for balanced flavor and aroma. For herbal projects, use them in sachets or mixtures.

Regular use. Tea drinkers usually keep to one cup in the evening and often blend hops with chamomile or lemon balm to soften the bitterness. Whole cones suit bittering, late additions or dry hopping. For compressed hops, see our Hop pellets / tablets.

What to expect. As a tea, users describe a mellow, relaxed, body-focused calm and a bitter, resinous, slightly floral cup that suits the wind-down hour. Hop tea is not a daytime energizer and it is not sweet.

Side effects. Hops are well tolerated at tea strength. Drowsiness at larger amounts is the main effect. Handling large quantities of cones can irritate the skin in some people. Reduce the amount or stop if you react.

Interactions and cautions. Hops can add to the effects of alcohol and sedative medications, so do not combine them, and do not drive after a strong hop tea. Because hops contain plant estrogens (8-prenylnaringenin), consult a healthcare professional before regular use if you have a hormone-sensitive condition. Consult a professional if you are pregnant, nursing or taking any medication.

Ingredients and storage. Whole hops Flowers (Humulus lupulus). Store always in a dry, cool place out of sunlight to maintain freshness.

Common questions

• Can I make tea with whole hops flowers? Yes, steep 1-2 teaspoons in boiling water for 5-7 minutes.
• Are these hops flowers good for homebrewing? Yes, they are whole dried cones that can go into the boil, late additions or dry hopping.
• What do hops taste like as a tea? Bitter, resinous and slightly floral, with a piney aroma from the essential oils.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Hops is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.