Phytochemical Characterization of Humulus lupulus L. Varieties Cultivated in Brazil: Agricultural Zoning for the Crop in Tropical Areas

Author(s)

Sabino, Barbara Cristina Claro ; Bonfim, Filipe Pereira Giardini ; Cabral, Mariana Nunes Ferreira ; Viriato, Viviany ; Pak Campos, Olivia ; Neves, Caio Scardini ; Fernandes, Gustavo do Carmo ; Gomes, Jordany Aparecida Oliveira ; Facanali, Roselaine ; Marques, Marcia Ortiz Mayo

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: HORTICULTURAE; v. 11, n. 5, p. 14-pg., 2025-04-27.

Abstract

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) is a crucial ingredient in beer, valued for its bitter acids and essential oils. Traditionally cultivated in temperate regions, hop production faces challenges from climate change, necessitating the exploration of new growing areas. This study evaluated the chemical quality of hop varieties grown in Brazil's subtropical conditions to assess their suitability for brewing. Seven hop varieties (Cascade, Centennial, Columbus, Chinook, Comet, Fuggle, and Nugget) were analyzed for total alpha- and beta-acids and essential oil composition. Bitter acids were quantified by spectrophotometric analysis, and volatile compounds were identified using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Comet exhibited the highest a-acid level (10.54%), indicating strong bittering potential. Essential oil analysis revealed beta-myrcene, (E)-caryophyllene, and alpha-humulene as predominant compounds. Centennial showed a distinct (E)-beta-farnesene profile, a characteristic of noble hops. All varieties contained alpha- and beta-selinene, suggesting a common metabolic pattern. The results indicate that Brazil has the potential to produce high-quality hops with suitable chemical profiles for brewing. As traditional hop-growing regions face climate-related challenges, hops cultivated in Brazil may offer a viable alternative for achieving the desired chemical composition required by the brewing industry. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 23/12485-0 - TROPICALIZATION OF HOPS (Humulus lupulus L.), CANNABACEAE: LIGHT SUPPLEMENTATION ON AGRONOMIC, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PERFORMANCE
• Grantee: Filipe Pereira Giardini Bonfim
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 17/50338-9 - From basic to applied science: upgrading the institutional infrastructure for supporting research and agribusiness innovations (PDIp)
• Grantee: Sérgio Augusto Morais Carbonell
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - State Research Institutes Modernization Program
• FAPESP's process: 18/25812-1 - Multi-User Equipment approved in grant 2017/50338-9: gas chromatograph (GC/MS)
• Grantee: Marcia Ortiz Mayo Marques
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• FAPESP's process: 19/27066-8 - Agronomic contributions to the hop cultivation: morphology, anatomy, phenology and phytochemistry of cultivars under organic and conventional management
• Grantee: Filipe Pereira Giardini Bonfim
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants