Can Hops Grow in Shade? UK Cultivation Tips

Can Hops Grow in Shade? UK Cultivation Tips
Lush green forest path lined with tall trees and cascading hop garlands overhead, sunlight filtering through dense foliage

Can Hops Grow in Shade? UK Cultivation Tips

For those with a penchant for crafting their own brews or seeking a touch of green elegance in their gardens, the cultivation of hops (Humulus lupulus) might appear on their green-fingered horizon. But is the shadow cast by taller structures and leafier neighbours a deterrent to their growth? The truth is, contrary to popular belief, […]

13th December 2023
Fresh green hop cones clustered together with layered petals and stems on dark background

Are Hops Poisonous? Safety Facts for UK Pet Owners

For many in the UK, hops are synonymous with the crafting of beer – a hobby that’s ever-growing in popularity. Yet, beyond the pint glass, hops and toxicity form a lesser-known narrative, one that is critical for the well-being of our furry companions. The adverse effects of hops on domestic animals, particularly dogs, are a […]

13th December 2023
Hop plants with green cones growing in rows in a valley landscape with rolling hills and agricultural fields under a cloudy sky

Are Hops Native to England? UK Flora Explored

Roaming through the sun-dappled clearings of woodlands and ornamenting the verdant edges of fields and hedgerows, the hop plant, or Humulus lupulus, stands a familiar feature within the British landscape. Renowned primarily for its invaluable contribution to beer-making, this climbing plant basks in sunlit habitats, thriving under the nurturing rays that wash over the UK’s […]

13th December 2023
Glass of golden beer with white foam surrounded by fresh green hop cones and leaves on a wooden surface

Hops in Lager: Essentials of British Beer Crafting

Lager brewing in the UK is a craft steeped in tradition and precision. Central to this process are hops, the heart of beer’s flavour complexity and preservation. In the realm of lager, the role of hops transcends mere bitterness; it infuses the brew with essence and character. Understanding the importance of hops in lager brewing […]

13th December 2023
Workers in protective gear pour green peas into large industrial vat with steam rising in food processing factory

Hops in Lager: Essential for Flavour & Aroma

Delve into the lager brewing process, and one discovers that hops are not merely a contributing ingredient but a pivotal element in defining the persona of the beverage. Often queried among enthusiasts is whether hops are used in lager; unquestionably, they are fundamentally intrinsic to its creation. Hop-derived flavors in lager are as critical as […]

13th December 2023
Farmer inspecting hop plants in rows at sunrise, walking through lush green hop garden at golden hour

Growing Hops with Ease in the UK – A Guide

As a passionate pursuit for beer enthusiasts across the UK, learning how to grow hops at home has become an increasingly popular endeavour. Cultivating your own bines, seeing them reach skyward to kiss the sun, can be as rewarding as it is picturesque. Yet, many assume that hop cultivation is left best to the verdant […]

13th December 2023
Vintage botanical illustration of hop garlands and leaves on aged wooden plank background with sepia tones

Are Hops a Grain? Uncover the Truth – Brew Facts

Within the rich and frothy annals of brewing history, the role and essence of ingredients such as hops have been as celebrated as they are debated. The query ‘are hops a grain?’ stems from longstanding confusions and historical misinterpretations. However, in the world of brewing with hops and the broader domain of grains in beer […]

13th December 2023
Expansive hop field with vibrant green plants in organized rows stretching toward forested horizon at sunrise

Are Hops Evergreen? Perennial Growth Explained

Many gardening enthusiasts and brewers often query, “are hops evergreen?” To elucidate, hops, scientifically Humulus lupulus, do not belong to the evergreen family. These perennial hops, with a lifecycle spanning multiple seasons, die back annually in the autumn, yet their robust rhizomatic roots prepare to burst into verdancy with each spring arrival. Throughout the UK, […]

13th December 2023
Hop plants with flowering cones growing in a mountain valley landscape at sunrise or sunset

Are Hops Related to Weed? Cannabaceae Family Facts

Delving into the botanic mysteries of the Cannabaceae family unveils a tantalising link between two seemingly distinct entities: hops and cannabis. Rooted deeply in the annals of natural history, their botanical relationship has fascinated researchers and enthusiasts alike. It is here, nestled within the genetic annals of history, some 25 million years post-dinosaurs, that we […]

13th December 2023
Green hop cones with serrated leaves on flowering hop plant branches against blurred background

Are Hops Flowers Essential to Brewing Beer?

Steeped in tradition and shrouded in centuries of craft history, the role of hops flowers for beer is undeniably at the heart of the brewing industry. To the casual observer, hops may merely signify a routine ingredient, yet in the realm of ale crafting, these diminutive blossoms wield an unparalleled influence. Utilising a tapestry of […]

13th December 2023