Common Hop

Description

Common Hop (Humulus lupulus) belongs to the Cannabaceae family and is native to Europe. It thrives in Hedgerows, River banks, Forest edges, Fencerows environments across regions including All Europe, UK, Germany, Czech, Slovenia.

Botanically, Common Hop is spring shoots asparagus substitute excellent. Flowers cones for beer. Bitter flavoring herb.. It is also known locally as Luppolo/Lupul.

The edible parts include Shoots, Cones. With an edibility rating of 8/10, it ranks as an excellent wild food source. Harvesting is best done during April, August, June, March, May and September.

Nutritionally, Common Hop stands out for its Vitamin K (37.0mg, 31% DV), Vitamin C (15.0mg, 17% DV) and Folate (62.0mg, 16% DV). It also provides 5.3g protein and 12.1g dietary fiber per 100g serving.

In the kitchen, Common Hop offers a Bitter asparagus flavor profile. Shoots cooked like asparagus cones dried beer. Common culinary applications include asparagus shoots, beer brewing, dried cones. Popular preparations include Hop shoots asparagus, Hop beer, Sauteed greens with garlic, Wild green pesto.

For storage, shoots fresh 2d Cones dried 12mo.

Safety note: No toxicity. Antinutrient content is resins essential oils hops. Safe lookalike species include Asparagus similar spring. Always verify identification with at least three independent botanical sources before consumption.

Foragers should collect common hop during Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Aug and Sep. Choose young, vibrant parts for optimal flavor and nutrition. Avoid specimens near polluted areas, roadsides, or treated agricultural land.

Field identification relies on recognizing the plant in its natural habitat — typically hedgerows, river banks, forest edges, fencerows. Flowers, leaf arrangement, and growth habit provide the most reliable identification markers. Always consult at least two independent botanical sources.

Traditional Europe communities have long valued common hop as a seasonal wild food. Its reliable growth and nutritional density made it a valuable resource during lean periods and food scarcity.

In contemporary cuisine, common hop pairs excellently with olive oil, garlic, and citrus. It complements wild herbs, foraged mushrooms, and hearty grains. Experiment with both raw preparations and slow-cooked dishes to appreciate its full range.

Edibility

Harvest Calendar

Nutrition (per 100g)

Culinary Uses

asparagus shoots, beer brewing, dried cones

Storage

Shoots fresh 2d Cones dried 12mo

Recipes

• Hop shoots asparagus
• Hop beer
• Sauteed greens with garlic
• Wild green pesto
• Leafy green soup
• Wild winter pesto made from Common Hop
• Traditional Common Hop soup
• Common Hop and potato frittata

Where It Grows