hops

Thân thiện

A farmer harvests hops from a tall trellis.

Definition

Noun 1. The dried flowers (cones) of the hop plant: The primary meaning refers to the dried, cone-like female flowers of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus). These are used primarily in brewing beer to impart a characteristic bitter flavor, as well as aroma and stability. 2. The climbing plant itself: Can also refer to the perennial vine that produces these flowers.

Examples

• The brewer added hops early in the boil for bitterness and later for aroma.
• This beer has a strong citrus flavor from the American hops used.
• The farmer grows hops on tall trellises in his field.

Advanced Usage

• "Dry hopping": A brewing technique where hops are added to beer after fermentation to enhance aroma without significantly increasing bitterness.
  • The IPA underwent dry hopping to boost its floral scent.
• Hop varieties: Hops are often discussed by specific cultivar names, which define a beer's flavor profile (e.g., Cascade, Saaz, Hallertau).
  • The use of noble hops gives this lager its classic, subtle character.

Variants and Related Words

• Hop (verb): To move by jumping on one foot or in short leaps.
• Hop (noun): A short jump or a quick trip (e.g., a across the Channel).
• Hopped (adjective): In brewing, describes a beer to which hops have been added, often implying a high level (e.g., a ale).

Synonyms

• For the brewing ingredient: (There are no direct synonyms, but related terms include) bittering agent, aroma flowers.

Related Phrases

• Hops and malt: The two primary flavoring ingredients in beer.
  • The balance between hops and malt is crucial for a good beer.

Notes on Different Meanings

It is critical to distinguish between the primary meaning related to brewing (hops) and the unrelated verb/noun hop. They are homographs (spelled the same) but have completely different origins and meanings. The brewing term "hops" is always plural in its standard usage.

Học thuật

Noun

1. twining perennials having cordate leaves and flowers arranged in conelike spikes; the dried flowers of this plant are used in brewing to add the characteristic bitter taste to beer

Từ đồng nghĩa

• hop