What is a hop?
Hops are the green cone-shaped flowers, or “inflorescence,” of the Humulus lupulus plant. They’re a climbing perennial with a distinct jackpot for craft brewers. Hidden inside each cone are tiny yellow pods or glands called lupulin—the source of bitterness, aroma, and flavor in beer. Hops are often misunderstood as a fruit; their actual botanical classification places them as the flower of the Humulus lupulus plant.