Items found matching the tag "plant & food research"
Green Bullet™ stands as a historic cornerstone of Southern Hemisphere hop cultivation, originally developed by the New Zealand Plant & Food Research as experimental Brand 65-3-82 and officially released for commercial use in 1972. Bred from an open-pollinated Smoothcone parent to yield high alpha acids, it was specifically engineered to be completely resistant to Black Root Rot disease, an agricultural plague that had decimated New Zealand's hop yards during the 1940s. While it forged its reputation as a bulletproof commercial bittering workhorse to hit high bittering lines in mass-market lagers, craft brewers quickly embraced its dual-purpose capabilities. Though its acreage has been on a decline over the past 10 years due to the explosion of modern tropical varieties, Green Bullet™ remains a respected, highly versatile staple that effortlessly bridges mid-century processing efficiency with authentic craft performance. The profile of Green Bullet™ presents a highly unique, transitional sensory experience that beautifully balances a rugged, old-world structure with a subtle splash of New World fruit. It anchors its aromatic blueprint in a traditional, dominant, and spicy core of resinous pine and freshly cracked black pepper, capturing a classic woody character. However, unlike one-note industrial bittering hops, Green Bullet™'s substantial oil concentration yields a complex secondary profile of warm dried orchard fruits, dark plums, and heavy floral elements. This dual-natured behavior allows the hop to exhibit a deep, multi-dimensional presence, imparting a clean, crisp bittering punch to lagers while retaining enough aromatic muscle to hold its own against robust, heavily roasted specialty grain bills.
Motueka™ is a captivating New Zealand variety that represents a perfect bridge between Old World tradition and New World vibrancy. Originally developed by Plant & Food Research under the name "B Saaz," this triploid aroma hop was created by crossing the legendary Czech Saaz with a proprietary New Zealand breeding line. The result is a hop that possesses the refined, spicy structural integrity of a Noble hop, yet explodes with the zesty, tropical intensity characteristic of the Nelson and Tasman growing regions. This unique genetic makeup makes Motueka™ an indispensable dual-purpose tool, equally capable of providing a modern twist on a classic pilsner or adding a bright citrus "lift" to a hazy IPA. The sensory profile of Motueka™ is a vivid and refreshing arrangement of bright citrus and crushed tropical herbs. It leads with a primary, "zesty" bouquet of fresh lime zest, lemon balm, and mojito mint, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of sweet basil, floral honey, and a hint of green apple. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant "Noble" earthiness and a subtle peppery snap that remains exceptionally clean on the palate. Thanks to its balanced oil composition and high farnesene levels, Motueka™ delivers a soft, integrated bitterness and a crisp, effervescent finish—the definitive choice for imparting a sense of sun-drenched New Zealand brightness.
Moutere™ (pronounced "Mow-terry") is a high-octane dual-purpose variety that represents the bold, resinous side of New Zealand hop breeding. Released in 2015 by Plant & Food Research, Moutere™ was developed from a cross between Southern Cross™ and a select New Zealand male. Engineered as an intense "Super Alpha" option, it carries a massive essential oil profile that is among the highest in the world. Grown in the prestigious Moutere Valley, this variety thrives under the intense Southern Hemisphere sun, developing a chemical fingerprint that balances aggressive bittering potential with deep, fruit-saturated aromatics—perfect for anchoring large-scale hop bills with a "high-impact" personality. The sensory profile of Moutere™ is a commanding and multi-layered arrangement of pungent tropical fruit and classic forest resins. It leads with a primary, "punchy" bouquet of overripe grapefruit, passionfruit, and sweet hay, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of crushed pine needles and earthy spice. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant "dank" resinous backbone and a hint of tropical citrus that remains remarkably substantial on the palate. Thanks to its exceptionally high alpha acid content and a high concentration of linalool, Moutere™ delivers a firm, structural bitterness and a saturated, fruit-forward finish—the definitive choice for those seeking bold, resinous depth.
Nectaron® is a triumphant achievement in New Zealand hop breeding, representing nearly two decades of meticulous development by Dr. Ron Beatson and the team at Plant & Food Research. The name itself is a tribute, combining "Nectar of the Gods" with "Ron," the principal scientist behind its success. A triploid sister to Waimea™, Nectaron® was engineered to redefine the limits of hop intensity. Cultivated in the sun-drenched gardens of the Tasman region, this variety captures an unparalleled concentration of essential oils, offering brewers a saturated, fruit-forward impact that remains vibrant from the first pour to the bottom of the glass. The sensory profile of Nectaron® is a vivid and explosive celebration of sun-ripened tropical fruit and juicy stone fruits. It leads with a primary, "saturated" bouquet of intense pineapple, passionfruit, and fleshy peach, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of pink grapefruit zest and a subtle, dank resinous depth. Interestingly, its bio-chemical makeup is known to interact differently with American versus English yeast strains, shifting the fruit profile accordingly. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant "fruit salad" sweetness that remains remarkably substantial on the palate. Thanks to its balanced cohumulone levels, it delivers a smooth, integrated bitterness and a long, fruit-saturated finish—perfect for late additions and heavy dry hopping.
Nelson Sauvin™ is a legendary powerhouse of the southern hemisphere, representing a radical departure from traditional hop aromatics. Released in 2000 by New Zealand’s Plant & Food Research (Riwaka Research Centre), this triploid variety was bred from New Zealand Smoothcone and a select New Zealand male. Engineered to bridge the gap between fine wine and craft brewing, it thrives in the fertile soils of the Nelson region. Nelson Sauvin™ is a high-alpha, high-oil variety that offers brewers a potent and unmistakable personality, serving as a cornerstone ingredient for those seeking to produce world-class, aromatic-driven ales and lagers. The sensory profile of Nelson Sauvin™ is an extraordinary and sophisticated arrangement of crushed white grapes and exotic tropical fruit. It leads with a primary, "vinous" bouquet of gooseberry, passionfruit, and fresh-cut Sauvignon Blanc grapes, followed by a secondary layer of grapefruit zest, crushed pine needles, and a subtle "dank" resinous depth. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant mineral quality and a hint of lychee that remains bright and substantial on the palate. Thanks to its remarkably low cohumulone levels and balanced oil composition, it delivers a smooth, refined bitterness and a saturated, wine-like finish—the definitive choice for "New World" elegance.
Orbit™ is a masterful aromatic tapestry that celebrates the diversity and innovation of the New Zealand hop industry. Developed as a proprietary blend by New Zealand Hops Ltd. and Plant & Food Research, Orbit™ was born from the prestigious "Hops with a Difference" breeding program. Unlike single-variety hops, Orbit™ is a dynamic selection that changes every year, utilizing secret experimental varieties to showcase the unique terroir of the Tasman region. This ever-evolving nature means that while the specific acid and oil compositions shift with each harvest, the blend consistently captures the vibrant, "New World" spirit of New Zealand brewing. It is an exceptionally versatile choice, favored by brewers who want to achieve a complex, multi-layered character in a single addition. The sensory profile of Orbit™ is a vivid and refreshing journey through fruit-forward landscapes. It leads with a primary, "sun-drenched" bouquet of zesty lime, dried apricot, and white grape, followed by a sophisticated secondary layer of sweet floral nectar and soft herbal spice. As the profile develops, brewers will find a pleasant, clean bitterness and a subtle hint of blackcurrant that remains incredibly smooth on the palate. Because Orbit™ is crafted primarily for its aroma and flavor potential, it delivers a saturated aromatic presence and a crisp finish. It is the definitive choice for brewers seeking a sophisticated, modern depth for everything from contemporary pilsners to experimental ales.
Riwaka™ is a legendary aroma hop that stands as the crown jewel of the New Zealand hop industry. Released in 1997 by the Plant & Food Research program, it was originally designated "B Saaz" due to its direct lineage from the classic Czech Saaz landrace. This variety is a true "brewer’s hop," prized for its exceptionally high total oil content that delivers an aromatic intensity far beyond its modest alpha acid percentage. Because it is famously temperamental in the field and requires specific climatic conditions to thrive, its annual harvest is one of the most anticipated events in the craft beer world. Riwaka™ remains the definitive choice for those seeking a high-impact, "New World" character that retains a sophisticated, noble-derived structural elegance. The sensory profile of Riwaka™ is a concentrated explosion of pungent citrus and tropical fruit. It is world-renowned for its signature "pink grapefruit" character, which leads a primary bouquet of passionfruit, sweet kumquat, and a distinct "dank" or "diesel" edge common in high-myrcene New Zealand varieties. As the profile develops, brewers will find subtle secondary notes of green tea and a soft, peppery spiciness that pays homage to its Saaz heritage. Thanks to its massive myrcene content and unique oil composition, Riwaka™ delivers a lush, saturated aromatic presence and a clean, refreshing finish, making it an essential component for modern, fruit-forward beer styles.
Superdelic™ is the newest heavyweight champion of the New Zealand hop industry, officially released in 2023 by New Zealand Hops Ltd after more than a decade of rigorous development. Bred in 2012 by the legendary Dr. Ron Beatson at Plant & Food Research, this high-performance triploid variety was born from a cross between a classic European variety and a proprietary New Zealand male. During its time in small-plot trials, Superdelic™ proved it was more than just a flavor powerhouse; it showed incredible vigor, high yields, and a unique natural resistance to mite damage. It was engineered to push the boundaries of aromatic intensity, offering a chemical composition specifically optimized for biotransformation. For the modern brewer, Superdelic™ represents the next evolution of the "saturated" fruit character that has made New Zealand hops world-famous.
Wai-iti™ is a vibrant New Zealand aroma hop released in 2011 alongside its cousin, Kohatu®. Developed by the New Zealand Plant & Food Research program, this triploid variety was bred from a lineage that includes the refined Hallertau Mittelfrüh and Liberty. While its ancestors are known for "Noble" spice, Wai-iti was specifically engineered to move in a completely different direction: maximum fruit impact with exceptionally low bitterness. Because of its gentle alpha acid content, Wai-iti has become a "secret weapon" for brewers of Hazy IPAs and sessionable summer ales. It was designed for those who want to drenched a beer in tropical aromatics while avoiding the resinous "hop burn" often associated with high-alpha varieties. It is a specialized tool for the modern brewhouse, almost exclusively reserved for late-kettle additions, the whirlpool, or the dry hop.
Waimea™ is a high-alpha force of nature, released in 2012 by the New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research. It was originally bred to meet the growing demand for efficient bittering hops that didn’t sacrifice aromatic soul. Its lineage is an impressive "greatest hits" of brewing history, pulling genetic traits from Saaz, Fuggle, and California Late Cluster. Despite its "big beer" reputation and alpha acid levels that can soar up to 19%, Waimea is far from a blunt instrument. It was engineered with exceptionally low cohumulone levels, ensuring that its massive bittering potential remains smooth and clean rather than harsh. This unique balance has made it a favorite for brewers who need the sheer muscle for a 60-minute boil but want the sophisticated, fruit-forward nuance required for a world-class dry hop.