Saaz hops

Saaz is a "noble" variety of hops. It was named after the Czech city of Žatec (German: Saaz). This hop is used extensively in Bohemia to flavor beer styles such as the Czech pilsener. Saaz hops accounted for more than 2/3 of total 2009 hop production in the Czech Republic.[1] It is the main hops variety used in the production of global beer Stella Artois.

Characteristics

Saaz has a very distinctive flavour. When used in beer, the resultant aroma is very mild, earthy, herbal and spicy. Despite its popularity and noble pedigree, Saaz generally has a very low Alpha Acid level and is not very effective as a bittering hop. This hop is generally used for Bohemian style lagers and pilseners.[2]

Another variety of Saaz hops has been propagated in the United States of America. The US variety has a higher Alpha Acid content than the original Czech variety.[3]

Acid and oil breakdown

Property Czech Variety[4] US Variety[5]
Yield (Kg/Ha) 800 - 1200 N/A
Alpha acids (%) 2.5 – 4.0 6.3 – 7.0[3]
Beta acids (%) 4.6 – 6.0 N/A
Alpha/Beta Ratio 0.6 – 0.9 N/A
Cohumulone (% of alpha acids): 23 – 26 N/A
Colupulone (% of alpha acids): 39 – 43 N/A
Total Oils (Mls. per 100 grams dried hops) 0.4 – 1.0 0.6
Myrcene (as % of total oils) 25 - 40 37
Linalool (as % of total oils) 0.4 - 0.8 N/A
Caryophyllene (as % of total oils) 6 - 9 7
Humulene (as % of total oils) 15 - 25 23
Farnesene (as % of total oils) 14 - 20 N/A
Selinenes (as % of total oils) 0.5 - 1.5 N/A
Possible Substitutions Centennial, Amarillo, Motueka

References

  1. ↑ "Hop Statistics - Hops Growers Union of the Czech Republic". www.czhops.cz. Retrieved 2010-01-23.
  2. ↑ Palmer, John (2006). How to Brew. Boulder, CO: Brewers Publications. pp. Chapter 5 part 3. ISBN 0-937381-88-8.
  3. 1 2 "Hops Direct - US Saaz growers". www.hopsdirect.com. Retrieved 2010-01-23.
  4. ↑ "Czech Hops Research Institute". www.chizatec.cz. Retrieved 2010-01-23.
  5. ↑ Daniels, Ray (2000). Designing Great Beers. Boulder, CO: Brewers Publications. pp. 72–106. ISBN 0-937381-50-0.
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