Once thought impossible to grow in our climate, now local craft breweries offer beer flavored with hops grown in Hillsborough County
Harvest: Hops
Learn all about hops grown in Hillsborough County.
When are fresh Hillsborough County hops available locally?
Researchers harvest two crops of the thimble-sized cones each year in Florida: in mid/late June and mid-November. Several local craft breweries have produced beer flavored with hops grown in the Balm field.
What varieties of hops are grown here?
Cascade shows the most promise so far. Researchers also have conducted trials with other varieties such as Comet, Nugget, and Zeus.
Where are hops grown in Hillsborough County?
This key flavoring ingredient in beer is grown as an experimental crop at the University of Florida's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm.
How many acres are planted with hops?
About 2½ acres at the research field.
How many pounds of hops are harvested?
About 1,000 pounds per acre of dried whole cone hops.
Fun fact
Hops production in Florida once was considered impossible due to the hot, humid climate and comparatively short daylight hours. Researchers have shown it's possible to grow hops here with supplemental lighting. The Cascade variety particularly has shown unique quality and flavor characteristics.
Local insight
In limited trials, brewers and their customers give a thumbs-up to beers made with locally-grown hops. Cascade hops harvested here have somewhat of a cantaloupe and honeydew melon flavor, which is unusual and desirable. A remaining challenge is to determine if growing hops is economically feasible for Florida farmers.
Homegrown Hillsborough is also the name of the food system program coordinated by our Extension Services department.
Homegrown Hillsborough is a network of community members with the mission to grow a strong food system. The vision is to create an integrated food system that is diverse, reliable, and creates opportunity for active participation.
Homegrown Hillsborough will act as an educational and community development initiative with a focus on community nutrition, food entrepreneurship, and agricultural production that will strengthen the relationship that Hillsborough County residents have with their food.