Hops
Hops are the flowering cones of the plant Humulus lupulus, used as a key ingredient in brewing beer. They balance the sweetness of malt with bitterness, contribute aroma and flavour, and act as a natural preservative.
Role in brewing
Different hop varieties produce wildly different results — from the floral and citrusy notes common in pale ales to the earthy, resinous character found in traditional European lagers. The amount and timing of hop additions during the brewing process determine how bitter and aromatic the finished beer will be.
Related: Beer tour Budapest · flavoured beers in Budapest.