Management and Conduct Of Hop Varieties for Craft Beer Production in Campos de Cima da Serra / RS

Objective: The general objective of this research was to evaluate the adaptation of hop plants (Humulus lupulus L.) in an experimental area located in the Campos de Cima da Serra region - RS, specifically in the municipality of Vacaria. Theoretical Framework: Hop flowers are small and wind pollinated. Female plants have cone-like structures, 2.5 to 5 cm long, that develop shortly after pollination. They consist of overlapping, yellowish-green bracts attached to an axis. Mature strobili contain various chemicals in their lupulin glands (glandular trichomes) at the base of the bracts, which can be used in various industries, the best known, but not the only, being beer. Method: The methodology was organized by hop cultivation, seedling production, vegetative evaluations, post-harvest evaluations and production of craft beer styles. Results and Discussion: The cultivars analyzed are in their first year of production and have not yet reached their full potential. Appropriate management was implemented at the different growth stages, after which the crop was harvested and processed, and the production of craft beers was completed with sensory testing. Furthermore, additional seedlings were prepared for the next planting. Therefore, this project is still under development and aims to bring various relevant information to this production chain for the Southern region of Brazil. Research Implications: Although small hop crops are already occurring throughout the country, there is little information about production, quality and factors faced by producers. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the dissemination of hop culture in the State of Rio Grande do Sul.