Most of us know hops as the soul of a good craft beer, but this versatile plant is so much more than just a brewing ingredient! Hops have a long history in traditional herbal medicine, and since they aren’t toxic, they’re actually a great addition to your kitchen. In fact, young hop shoots are a gourmet treat that you can prepare just like asparagus.
Ways to Use Hops at Home
- A key ingredient for homebrewing
- Natural herbal remedies
- Fresh spring greens for cooking
- Fast-growing privacy screens for balconies
- Natural shade for your backyard garden
Hops for Homebrewing
You can’t make beer without hops! The “magic” ingredient brewers look for is lupulin, which is found in ripe hop cones. If you look closely at the scales of the fruit, you’ll see tiny yellow dots—that’s the lupulin. Keep in mind that only female plants produce these cones. Lupulin is what gives beer its signature bitter aroma, helps create that perfect foamy head, and acts as a natural preservative.
If you’re planning to try your hand at homebrewing, you’ll need to dry your hops first so they store well. While commercial breweries often use compressed hop pellets for convenience, home gardeners can stick to the whole dried flowers for a more artisanal touch.
Hops in Traditional Herbal Medicine
Hops are packed with beneficial compounds like bitter agents, lupulin, tannins, and essential oils. That’s why hop cones are a popular choice for making tinctures and teas. A warm cup of hop tea is a classic remedy for soothing inflammation, easing minor aches, or helping you wind down when you’re feeling restless.
Eating Hop Shoots in the Spring
Did you know you can eat hops? In early spring, the plant sends up tender young shoots that can be prepared just like asparagus. Since hops grow so vigorously, you’ll usually have plenty to harvest. Just snip them off and sauté, steam, or roast them. They have a wonderful savory, slightly nutty flavor that is a real springtime treat.
Hops as a Natural Privacy Screen
Beyond their practical uses, hops are stunning ornamental plants. They grow incredibly fast, making them perfect for container gardening on a balcony or patio. Just give them a sturdy trellis to climb, and you’ll have a lush, green privacy screen in no time.
They are also a fantastic choice for covering a pergola in your garden. Thanks to their large leaves and rapid growth, hops provide excellent natural shade, keeping your outdoor space cool and cozy all summer long.
