Climate Change and Hop Varieties
A Comprehensive Study from Hallertau with Insights from new variety release, from Yakima Quality Hops: ELANI™
Tim Sattler, Yakima Quality Hops Owner and YQH-1320 (Elani) breeder- Courtesy of Yakima Quality Hops
Summary:
Hallertau studies show traditional aroma hop varieties are climate-sensitive, highlighting the need for long-term climate adaptation strategies.
ELANI™, introduced by Yakima Quality Hops, exemplifies breeding for heat tolerance, providing a model for creating resilient hop strains.
Climate change leads to a reassessment of hop portfolios, emphasizing the need for sustainable, heat-tolerant varieties like ELANI™.
Introduction: The Growing Challenge of Climate Change
The innovation, breeding, and naming of new hop varieties have become paramount in the brewing industry, especially in response to growing concerns like climate change.
Yakima Quality Hops, based in Yakima, Washington, has made an exciting stride with the introduction of ELANI™, formerly YQH-1320 EXP, a variety that resonates not only with taste but also with a heartwarming family story.
Research from the Hallertau hop growing region and innovations like ELANI™ highlight the complex relationship between weather patterns, hop varieties, and the brewing industry.
Hallertau's Findings: Climate Sensitivity Among Hop Varieties
In Hallertau, recent research has revealed that individual hop varieties react differently to climate conditions. Traditional aroma varieties have proven to be more sensitive to shifts in temperature and precipitation. Such findings have prompted an exploration of climate factors, outlining varietal differences, and the need for systematic adaptation.
Comparing the harvest data from two years, 2015 (a bad year) and 2016 (a good year), it's evident that traditional aroma varieties are more climate-sensitive than bitter hops or the newer aroma varieties, illustrating that individual hop varieties react differently to weather conditions. The average temperature from June to August has increased by 2 °C compared to the period from 1961 to 1990, and the precipitation decreased. Climate data shows a higher number of hot days (> 30 °C), which might lead to disruptions in cone maturation and the formation of bitter and aroma substances.
Hallertau's research raises critical questions about long-term solutions, such as irrigation and cultivation practices. Understanding different sensitivities to weather changes among hop varieties enables more informed decisions.
ELANI™: A Case Study in Heat Tolerance
Amid these environmental challenges, Yakima Quality Hops introduced ELANI™, a variety known for its high yields and heat tolerance, making it suitable for diverse growing regions. The development of ELANI™ offers practical insights into creating hop varieties resilient to the changing climate.
The ELANI hop variety has a rich history, as Tim Sattler discovered YQH-1320 EXP in Idaho’s St. Joe River Valley. The region has a strong brewing lineage dating back to late-19th century miners and loggers, providing the genetic blueprint for this new hop. This variety however is being grown successfully in different parts of the Yakima Valley at CLS Farms, Gasseling & Sons, and in Idaho at Gooding Farms.
Impact on Brewers and Hop Breeding Considerations
The shifting climate leads brewers to reconsider their hop portfolios and possibly substitute certain varieties. The role of hop breeding, exemplified by ELANI™'s development, becomes essential. Hallertau's findings urge consideration of climate tolerance in hop breeding and the selection of more resilient varieties.
Hop breeding efforts must consider not only flavor and aroma but also sustainability and resource conservation. The development of drought-resistant or heat-tolerant varieties like ELANI™ is vital in ensuring the continued growth of hops while minimizing environmental impact. ELANI™ also considers the current demand for aroma varieties, boasting tropical notes of mango, papaya, citrus, blueberry and cantaloupe, maintaining its relevance to brewers in addition to being agronomically robust.
Conclusion: Climate Change's Multifaceted Impact on Hops
This comprehensive understanding of climate change's impact on hops not only helps brewers adapt their strategies but also raises critical questions about the future of hop cultivation. The lessons learned from the Hallertau region can likely be applied more broadly, making this research a valuable resource in an era of ongoing climate change. The importance of hop breeding in the context of climate change will continue to be a vital area of research and development, assisting in the selection of more resilient hop varieties and ultimately contributing to the sustained production of hops in a changing environment.
Climate change's influence on hop plants is intricate, demanding a multifaceted approach to adaptation. The lessons learned from Hallertau, including the importance of hop breeding in the context of climate change, alongside the successful case of ELANI™, contribute to the sustained production of hops in a shifting environment.
References
Forster, A., & Schull, F. (2020). Climate change's effect on hop growth: An examination of varietal differences and the impact on brewing. Brauwelt International, 2020(III), 175.
Yakima Quality Hops. (2023). Press Release for ELANI™. Yakima, Washington. Personal Communication.
For further inquiries or brewing with ELANI™, please contact Yakima Quality Hops directly. More information on usage, sensory notes and brewing values can be found below.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the provided press release and is for informational purposes only.
