Citra Hops

 Citra Hops – The Perfect Hop for Unique Flavor Profiles

Citra Hops, known for their remarkable citrus and tropical fruit aroma, have become a staple in modern craft brewing. Developed by the Hop Breeding Company and released in 2008, this hop variety is famous for its bold flavor characteristics, making it a popular choice for IPAs and other hop-forward beers.

At Hop Head Farms, we cultivate premium Citra Hops that deliver the signature flavors brewers love—notes of lime, grapefruit, mango, passion fruit, and lychee. Whether you're brewing a refreshing summer ale or a robust IPA, Citra Hops are an ideal choice for adding a burst of fruity, aromatic complexity.

About this Hop

Variety: Citra Hops® HBC 394

Key Flavors: Grapefruit, Citrus, Lime, Tropical Fruit, Passion Fruit

Typical Beer Styles: Pale Ale, IPA, DIPA, NEIPA, any Hop Forward style

Pairs Well with (Hops): Any “ale” hop

Substitute: Centennial, Cascade, Comet

Profile & Origin: Developed and released by the Hop Breeding Company

Storage: Good/Fair

Why Choose Citra Hops?

Citra Hops offer a unique flavor profile that stands out in any brew. Their high alpha acid content (11-13%) provides excellent bittering potential, while their essential oils deliver intense aromatics, balancing bitterness with a fresh, vibrant nose. Brewers around the world choose Citra for its ability to elevate hop-forward beers with a mix of bright citrus, tropical fruits, and subtle earthy undertones.

Aroma and Flavor Characteristics of Citra Hops

Citra Hops are most noted for their bold citrus and tropical fruit aromas. Here's a breakdown of the flavor and aroma profile you can expect:

• Primary Flavors: Lime, grapefruit, lemon
• Secondary Flavors: Mango, passion fruit, lychee, melon
• Aroma: Bright citrus with hints of tropical sweetness and light floral notes

Citra Hops are a great choice for anyone looking to add a tropical twist to their beers, particularly in IPAs, pale ales, and other hop-centric styles.

Popular Beer Styles for Citra Hops

Citra Hops are versatile and can be used in a variety of beer styles, but they truly shine in hop-forward brews. Some of the most popular beer styles featuring Citra Hops include:

• India Pale Ales (IPAs): Known for their hop-forward character, IPAs are the perfect match for Citra's tropical and citrusy flavors.
• Pale Ales: The balance between malt and hops makes pale ales a great showcase for Citra's unique profile.
• Hazy IPAs: The juicy, fruit-forward nature of Citra makes it a must-have for hazy and New England-style IPAs.

Brewing with Citra Hops

When brewing with Citra Hops, brewers often use them for aroma and flavor additions late in the boil or during dry hopping. This maximizes the fruity, tropical characteristics without adding too much bitterness. However, Citra's alpha acids also make it an effective bittering hop, giving you flexibility when formulating your recipe.

For more information on how to brew with Citra Hops or to see how other brewers have used it, visit our brewing guide.

Where to Buy Citra Hops

Looking to incorporate Citra Hops into your next batch? Hop Head Farms offers high-quality Citra Hops for sale, available in a variety of packaging options to suit both homebrewers and commercial brewers. Our hops are carefully harvested and processed to maintain freshness and potency, ensuring you get the best possible flavor and aroma.

Buy Citra Hops in bulk today and take your brewing to the next level with this iconic hop variety.

Frequently Asked Questions About Citra Hops

Q: What makes Citra Hops unique?
A: Citra Hops are renowned for their intense tropical fruit and citrus aromas, making them ideal for IPAs, pale ales, and other hop-forward beers.

Q: How do you use Citra Hops in brewing?
A: Citra is most often used as a late addition in the boil or for dry hopping to maximize its fruity and aromatic qualities. It can also be used for bittering due to its high alpha acid content.

Q: Where can I buy Citra Hops?
A: You can buy premium Citra Hops directly from Hop Head Farms, available in bulk for commercial brewers and smaller quantities for homebrewers.

Grow Your Best Brews with Citra Hops from Hop Head Farms

Citra Hops are an essential ingredient for any brewer looking to create beers with a bright, tropical fruit flavor profile. At Hop Head Farms, we provide top-tier hops grown under ideal conditions to ensure you get the freshest and most aromatic hops possible. Explore our wide range of hop varieties and discover how Citra can take your brews to the next level.