Hops (Noun)
Meaning
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.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The beer's unique flavor is attributed to a blend of specialty hops used in the brewing process.
- Hops are typically grown on a trellis to encourage the long vines to grow upwards.
- The dried cones of female hops plants are the primary component adding bitterness to beer.
- Hops plants require a cool winter period to induce flowering and thus should be planted in regions with mild winters.
- To complement the sweet malts, brewers carefully select specific strains of hops to achieve the desired flavor profile.