Cheers! Joy for farmers as demand for essential beer ingredient has risen
BRITISH hop farmers have reason to celebrate as a resurgence in craft and real ale brewing means demand for the little green flower has risen.
The increase in hops production will flood the market with an extra 3.7 million pints of beer
It is the first time in 15 years that growers have had to increase the number of crops planted to meet demand.
The additional yield being harvested right now at one the UK's biggest hop farms will go toward making an extra 3.7 million pints of beer - a great reason to raise a glass and celebrate the success of this traditional British crop.
Hop is an essential ingredient in beer.
The growth can be attributed to the ideal summer weather conditions
Hops are one of the basic ingredients in beer brewing along with grain, yeast, and water.
It is the flower of the hop plant that is used in brewing.
Brewers can change the ratio of sweet maltiness to bitterness in the final beer by adjusting the type of hops used in the brewing.
Top Beers
The successful crops of the beer ingredient bode well for the industry
Ali Capper, who grows 108 acres of hops in Suckley, Worcestershire, said: "We were definitely concerned earlier on. Because the bines, which are the long garlands of hops, hate wet weather.
The beautifully warm May together with the last few weeks of sunshine, have made it a bumper year
"But the beautifully warm May together with the last few weeks of sunshine, have made it a bumper year."
Much of Britain's hop production is based in two traditional growing areas, the Midlands and the South East.