APOPKA, Fla. — Channel 9 has learned that some growers in Florida are turning to hops as an alternative to growing citrus.
In the wake of citrus greening, researchers at the University of Florida AG Research Center in Apopka are growing the hops.
"Most people can't believe this can actually be done, and the first thing people generally take these, rip them apart, smell them, taste them and get a sensory evaluation for them," Brian Pearson, of UF, said.
The hops plant typically only grows in far northern states, like Washington, but researchers have successfully grown the plant in Florida over the last four years. They said it produces a hop with a distinctly mild flavor.
"We're having a plant that gets influence with its aroma, flavor from the soil, water and weather. So it's a unique crop with unique aroma and flavor to consumers," Pearson said.
During the next phase of the operation, researchers will grow the plant 20 feet up a telephone pole, which will produce 2 1/2 pounds of hops.
Due to citrus greening, growers are desperate for a new cash crop, and hops could become a booming business.
The craft beer business in Florida has gone from brewing 100,000 barrels a day to more than a million barrels in just two years. Most breweries pay top dollar to Washington state, which grows most of the nation's hops, but this could mean Florida brewers could begin using Florida hops.
"It helps drive the passion to provide them a product that would make their products unique to Florida (and) to showcase to the nation a product that has Florida flavors and aromas bottled in it," Pearson said.
UF researchers will spend around two years writing the rulebook on how to grow and care for the plant for both professional and home brewers.
Cox Media Group
