Citra hops, a popular variety known for their distinct citrusy aroma, are primarily grown in the Yakima Valley region of Washington state, USA. The story of how Citra hops came to be is quite fascinating and involves the passion and dedication of a hop farmer named Jason Perrault.
In 1992, Jason Perrault stumbled upon a single plant in his hop field that had a unique and enticing aroma. Intrigued by its potential, he decided to carefully nurture and observe this special plant. The following year, in 1993, Perrault expanded his experiment to a small test plot consisting of just four Citra hop plants.
The initial evaluation of these plants must have been incredibly promising because by 2003, Perrault had expanded the Citra hop production to a remarkable 21 plants. This expansion is a testament to the exceptional qualities and popularity of Citra hops in the brewing industry.
The Yakima Valley, located in the southeastern part of Washington state, is renowned for its ideal hop-growing conditions. The region boasts a combination of fertile soil, abundant sunlight, and a moderate climate, making it a perfect environment for hop cultivation. Additionally, the Yakima Valley benefits from the proximity to the Cascade Mountain Range, which provides protection from extreme weather conditions.
The success and growth of Citra hops in the Yakima Valley can be attributed to the collaboration between hop farmers like Jason Perrault and the Yakima Chief Ranches, a prominent hop supplier. Through years of careful selection, cultivation, and breeding, the hop farmers in the Yakima Valley have been able to develop and refine the qualities of Citra hops.
Today, Citra hops have become widely recognized and sought after by brewers around the world. Their unique aroma profile, which includes notes of tropical fruits, grapefruit, and citrus, adds a vibrant and refreshing character to beers. Citra hops are commonly used in hop-forward styles such as American pale ales, India pale ales (IPAs), and hoppy lagers.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of working with Citra hops in various beer recipes. Their distinct aroma and flavor make them a versatile and exciting ingredient to experiment with. I have found that Citra hops contribute an intense burst of citrus and tropical fruit flavors, creating a delightful sensory experience for beer enthusiasts.
Citra hops are primarily grown in the Yakima Valley region of Washington state, USA. The dedication and passion of hop farmer Jason Perrault, along with the ideal hop-growing conditions in the Yakima Valley, have contributed to the success and popularity of Citra hops. Their unique aroma profile and versatility make them a beloved ingredient among brewers worldwide.