# Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Phytochemical Profiles as a Function of Growth Region by HPLC and GC-MS Analysis

## TL;DR

This study compares hop phytochemical profiles from two U.S. regions to show how growth location affects hop composition.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence of hop terroir through comparative phytochemical analysis of the same cultivar from different regions.

## Key findings

- Phytochemical profiles of Cascade hops from Yakima and Benton County showed similar but distinct volatile and nonvolatile content ratios.
- The results support the concept of hop terroir influenced by regional growth conditions.
- Findings are relevant for brewers seeking to craft unique hop flavor profiles based on regional hop characteristics.

## Abstract

There is growing interest from brewers, hop growers and
consumers
about the regionality of hops as affected by growth region. The present
work aims to characterize the pelletized hop (Humulus
lupulus L.) cultivar Cascade from two regions in the
United States; Yakima, Washington and Benton County, Minnesota. Analyses
were performed using high pressure liquid chromatography with diode
array detection (HPLC-DAD) and headspace gas chromatography–mass
spectrometry (HS-GC-MS). Materials were obtained from commercial sources,
Yakima Chief Hops and Mighty Axe Hops. While the phytochemical profiles
were similar, as expected for a single cultivar, differences in the
volatile and nonvolatile content ratios were observed. The results
of this study support the increasing evidence of hop terroir and highlight
the need for continued studies into the effects that local growth
environments can have on the analytical profile of hops. These results
will be of particular interest to the discerning brewer that is looking
for the ability to craft exceptional flavor profiles for their finished
products.