Cascade hops, oh how I love them! They are truly a sight to behold in the springtime. As the weather starts to warm up, these magnificent plants send up their leafy shoots, reaching for the sky. The shoots are strong and sturdy, displaying a vibrant green color that is so refreshing to the eye.
But what really catches your attention are the hops themselves. These little wonders start to develop during the summer months, and they truly are a sight to behold. Picture soft, green fir cones, but with a unique twist. The hops have a distinctive shape, with a slightly elongated cone-like structure that tapers at the top. They are not perfectly round, but rather have a bit of a pointy end.
As you inspect the hops more closely, you'll notice their texture. The outer surface is slightly rough, with a delicate feel to it. Running your fingers over the hops, you can feel the tiny bracts that make up the cone. These bracts are what contain the lupulin, the yellowish substance that gives hops their distinct aroma and flavor.
Speaking of lupulin, cascade hops have a moderate amount of it. When you break open a hop cone, you can see the lupulin glands scattered throughout. These tiny glands contain the essential oils and resins that give hops their characteristic bitterness and aroma.
Now, let me take you on a little journey through my own experience with cascade hops. I remember the first time I saw these beautiful plants in person. I was visiting a local brewery, and they had a small hop garden right outside. The cascade hops were in full bloom, and I couldn't help but be captivated by their beauty.
I reached out and touched one of the hops, feeling the texture and marveling at its unique shape. The scent of the lupulin wafted through the air, giving off hints of citrus and floral notes. It was a sensory experience like no other.
Since then, I've had the pleasure of growing cascade hops in my own backyard. Watching them grow from tiny shoots to towering plants has been a rewarding journey. And when harvest time comes around, the joy of picking those perfectly ripe hop cones is unparalleled.
So, to sum it all up, cascade hops are a sight to behold. Their leafy shoots in the spring, their unique cone-shaped hops in the summer, and the moderate amount of yellow lupulin they possess all contribute to their beauty and allure. Whether you're a brewer or simply an admirer of nature's wonders, cascade hops are sure to captivate you.