In Europe hops have been used in beer making ever since the Middle Ages when it was accidentally discovered that it prolonged the life of beer. Hops were introduced to England in 1530's, to North America and South Africa about 100 years later.
The entire hops industry in South Africa is situated in the Southern Cape, a short scenic drive from George, on only 14 hop farms in the entire South Africa. This area, with some of the longest summer days in the country, is the best for growing hops. While the area is climatically suited to hops production, some other conditions are not ideal. The optimum latitude for production is 45° north and south of the equator. George is situated 34° south and experiences mild winters (hops prefers freezing temperatures) with three fewer hours of sunlight than the ideal.
The hops plant is a perennial creeper that grows up to 150 mm a day; one of the fastest growing plants in the world. Hops are planted in August and September. When the first shoots appear, they are strung up on trellises. The vines are trained by wrapping three healthy shoots clockwise to the string, (in Europe anti-clockwise) to encourage more rapid growth. By mid January the hops are in full flower and are ready for harvesting in mid February and March. Only female plants are grown commercially. The ‘cone’ used in the beer-making process is the non-pollinated fruit. Male plants are grown separately for pollination purposes. Only a small amount of hops is needed to make beer - about 40 grams of the dried product for every 100 litre.
In botanical circles hops is known as Humulus lupulus. A lesser-known fact about hops is that it belongs to the Cannabaceae Family of which the infamous Cannabis is also a member
BOP to sign log.
FTF = Ogre GS
NOTE: Make sure that the lid of the container is replaced properly to keep scroll dry
