Interview with António Rodrigues
Hops Producer
What is hops?
It’s a herbaceous plant from the species Humulus lupulus. Although it can grow naturally with relative ease, it needs to be cultivated and cared for properly to reach its full potential.
Why is hops used in beer production?
For three main reasons: hops is an antioxidant, a natural preservative — it was first used in beer for its antiseptic properties — and it’s what gives beer its aroma and characteristic bitterness.
What does it take to produce high-quality hops?
In addition to mineral-rich soil that allows the plant to grow well, it’s essential to be in a region with a dry climate — very cold winters, hot summers (between 30°C and 35°C), and plenty of sunlight.
Can hops be grown anywhere?
Wild hops can grow spontaneously almost anywhere in Portugal. However, for cultivation purposes, the best regions — both in the northern and southern hemispheres — are between the 30th and 55th parallels, at altitudes around 800 meters. In Portugal, the most suitable areas are in the districts of Bragança and Braga.
How long has hops been grown in Portugal?
The first trials and experiments began in the early 1960s. Then, between 1965 and 1970, the first hop fields were planted in the districts of Bragança and Braga.
How does Portuguese hops compare to that from other countries?
Our hops are considered among the best in the world, thanks not only to the climate and sunlight but also to the excellent characteristics of our soils.
Which hop varieties do you grow on your farm?
For agricultural purposes, I grow the Nugget variety. It’s a “super alpha,” with a high alpha acid content — between 10% and 13%. However, there are now other super-alpha varieties with even higher levels, reaching 15% or even 20%.
How long does it take for hops to grow?
Hops grow extremely fast, over about four to five months. We start working on the plants in the second half of March, and by the end of July, they reach six to seven meters in height. After that, we move into the flowering and cone maturation stages — the cones being the flowers of the hop plant.
How is hops harvested?
In the past, harvesting was done manually — the cones were hand-stripped from the vines, which took a long time. Nowadays, the process is mechanized. A tractor passes through with a machine that cuts the vines, while a trailer collects them. Everything is then taken to the stripping machine, and after that, the hops go into the dryer until they reach around 10% humidity.
