Hop

Description

The hop is a deciduous perennial herbaceous plant that can grow to a height of about seven metres and lives in temperate regions. Hops can also be grown in pots, even indoors, but under these conditions they rarely come into flower.

Stem

The long, flexible stems of the hop, hollow inside, are covered on the outside with small prickles, thanks to which they cling to any support. These stems, which wind in a spiral, always turning clockwise, allow the plant to raise itself from the ground.

Leaves

Hop leaves, with densely toothed margins, are irregular, in fact they have three to five lobes, and are rough to the touch.

Flowers

The male and female flowers of the hop grow on separate plants, are yellowish green in colour and bloom in high summer. The most sought-after, as they are used by the brewing industry, are the female flowers, which are concealed by a complex system of bracts forming the characteristic cone that makes the hop plant unmistakable. When the fruits are ripe the bracts take on a papery texture and lend themselves to use in dried-flower arrangements or in garlands

Exposure

Hop plants prefer an open, sunny position.

Propagation

Hop plants prefer an open, sunny position.

Growth

The hop is a hardy plant that presents no particular growing problems; about a metre of ground should be left between one clump and the next; each plant must have a stake or be able to climb on a trellis.

Harvesting

In spring, around April, the tips of the side shoots are picked; they are a food prized by gourmets, and two harvests can usually be taken from each plant. The most tender leaves of each clump can be added to soups; the flowers are picked at the beginning of autumn, when they have ripened; the long stems, to be used for weaving garlands or baskets, are cut in late autumn.

Storage

Flowers, leaves and stems, so that they can be kept, must be dried. The flowers should then be used within a few months, otherwise they take on an unpleasant aroma.

Properties

IN THE KITCHEN: Since ancient times the spring shoots of the hop have been eaten like asparagus; they are also excellent in a risotto or mixed into an omelette. They are no longer sold in markets nowadays, but anyone can gather them for themselves during a walk in the countryside. Throughout Europe hops are used to lighten, preserve and flavour beer.

Beauty

An infusion of hop flowers, poured into bath water, has a relaxing effect.

Health

An infusion of hop cones has calming properties and is therefore indicated both to relieve bladder disorders and to promote sleep, it also stimulates the appetite and aids digestion.

Curiosity

A pillow stuffed with hops is said to help combat insomnia. Baskets can be woven from the long and very flexible stems of this plant. Boiling hop leaves produces a brown dye.