What is hops Is it a grain?

Hops (Humulus lupulu) are not grains but are flowers of the hop plant, a close relative of the cannabis plant. Hops are crucial in the brewing process, imparting characteristic flavors, aromas, and bitterness to beer. They contain alpha acids, which contribute to the bitterness, essential oils responsible for the various aromas and flavors, and tannins that aid in preserving the beer.

In beer brewing, hops are typically used in two forms: whole leaf hops and hop pellets. Whole leaf hops are the dried flowers and leaves of the hop plant, while hop pellets are made from grinding and compressing the whole leaf hops into small, convenient pellets for efficient handling and storage.

Hops are not considered a grain as they do not belong to the Poaceae family, which includes cereal grains such as barley, wheat, and rice. Grains are the seeds of grasses, whereas hops are the flowers of a climbing plant.