Hop extract production

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How is Hop extract made?

[YCH Hops]

Hopunion USA - How hop extract is made

Basically, using CO2 as the medium and high pressure, hop resins and sometimes oils are extracted from soft hop pellets. The left over vegetative matter is mainly used for cattle feed. Most extract is sold today in its pure form, but there are many downstream products that are also sold. An extract plant can fractionize the remaining extract material. The resins consist of alpha and beta acids. The beta acids can be separated and be made into a light resistant product for clear bottle beers. The alpha can be isomerized and sold as a liquid product that can add bitterness to beer without having to boil. (Example - IsoHop) It can be put in any time after the boiling process right up to the final filtration. The hop oil can be separated and fractionated. In its whole form, it can be used any time in the brewing process after the boil. Hop oils contain 250-300 known components. Some of these can be called, floral, citrussy, geranial, sylvan, esters and so on. Scientist have realized some of these components add flavor and aroma and are now working to make them available. Down the road, I expect to see more work done in this area.