Fresh Hop Agriculture Revolutionizes Beer Sector: Overview of the Impact of New Harvesting Methods on Brewing Crafts
In the heart of Washington's Yakima Valley, Sauve and Son Farms, a farm with a rich history dating back to 1938, is currently cultivating 10 different hop varieties, both proprietary and public. This farm plays a crucial role in the fresh hop farming industry, supplying breweries with fresh hops that are harvested and used shortly thereafter.
Fresh hops, unlike their dried counterparts, are mechanically harvested in the field using a top cutter and a picking machine. The hop cones are then separated from the leaves and stem, and sent to a kiln facility to be dried, while the leaves and stems are sent to a compost pile.
The benefits of fresh hop farming for the beer industry are significant. Fresh hops provide brewers with hops that are harvested and used shortly thereafter, preserving delicate hop oils and aromas that significantly improve beer freshness and flavor. This practice is especially impactful for hop-forward beer styles like IPAs, where fresh hop oils contribute bright, volatile aromas and distinctive tastes that are difficult to replicate with traditional dried hops.
Regionally, fresh hop farming connects breweries to their local terroir. The unique aromatic profiles of hops grown in the Yakima Valley shape local craft beers, helping breweries differentiate their products and offer consumers flavors tied to specific geographic and agricultural conditions. This farm-to-foam approach reduces transportation emissions, supports local farmers, and fosters sustainability, all of which are increasingly valued in the beer industry.
Fresh hop farming also encourages innovative brewing practices and product diversity. Brewers experiment with new hop varieties and blends, aligning with consumer preferences for transparency and environmental responsibility. These practices contribute to the industry’s growth by providing new flavor possibilities and maintaining a beer's vibrant character.
Fresh hop IPAs are the most popular in Washington State, but fresh hop beer styles can range from IPAs, Pale Ales, Pilsners, to various experimental styles. Fresh hops require roughly three times the amount of hops when used compared to pellets due to their green material that can absorb wort. Aroma hops are mostly requested for fresh hops rather than alpha hops that tend to pack more bitterness.
There is some debate on what Fresh Hops really are, with some arguing that fresh hops are wet hops that have not been kiln dried, while others believe both wet hops and recently kiln dried hops are considered fresh. Regardless, the harvest season at Sauve and Son Farms has recently started, and the farm grows a diverse range of hop varieties, including Simcoe, Cascade, Amarillo, Citra, Mosaic, Columbus, Warrior, Ekuanot, HBC 682, and Idaho 7.
Fresh hop farming fosters relationships between farmers and brewers, as brewers often visit the farm to pick up their orders. Erik Sauve, the Vice President at Sauve and Son Farms, plays a pivotal role in these relationships, ensuring that the farm's fresh hops continue to enhance beer freshness, flavor complexity, and regional identity, while also encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and supporting local economies.
References:
[1] Beer Institute. (2021). The Importance of Fresh Hops in Craft Beer. Beer Institute. https://www.beerinstitute.org/the-importance-of-fresh-hops-in-craft-beer/
[2] Fresh Hop Ale Festival. (2021). What are Fresh Hops? Fresh Hop Ale Festival. https://freshhopalefestival.com/what-are-fresh-hops/
[4] Sustainable Hops. (2021). The Role of Fresh Hops in Sustainable Brewing. Sustainable Hops. https://sustainablehops.com/the-role-of-fresh-hops-in-sustainable-brewing/
- The farm-to-foam approach in the Yakima Valley, exemplified by Sauve and Son Farms, not only supports local farmers and fosters sustainability but also enhances beer freshness and flavor by supplying fresh hops to breweries for craft beer production, thus aligning with consumer preferences for transparency and environmental responsibility in the food-and-drink industry.
- In the realm of finance, the fresh hop farming industry in Washington State is considered a significant contributor to the local business economy, with breweries investing in fresh hops for their hop-forward beer styles like IPAs, Pale Ales, Pilsners, and experimental brews, thereby driving growth in the craft beer sector.
- The integration of technology in modern fresh hop farming plays a crucial role in maintaining efficient processes. For instance, mechanical harvesters equipped with top cutters and picking machines enable the rapid and precise collection of fresh hops in the field, ensuring that breweries receive high-quality hop cones that preserve delicate hop oils and aromas for use in technology-driven brewing processes.
