Motueka is a unique dual-purpose hop variety that was bred from Saaz and New Zealand breeding selections. It is popular for its bold aroma of lemon, lime and tropical fruit.
This variety produces a balanced bitterness that integrates well with high gravity brews and compliments strong malt characteristics like sweetness and body. It can be used in all hop additions throughout the brewing process.
Origin and History
The Motueka hop is a premier New Zealand hop that was bred by Hort Research. It is a triploid hop that was bred from Saaz and a New Zealand breeding selection.
It is a popular dual-use hop that carries an exciting fruit aroma with refreshing notes of tropical fruit and citrus. It makes a great addition to Lagers, Pilsners and Belgian Ales.
It is a well-balanced hop with a noble character that combines lemon and lime tones with background hints of tropical fruit. It is also known for its bittering quality that is considered well-balanced and clean.
Characteristics and Flavor Profile
Motueka is a New Zealand aroma hop with a distinctive fresh crushed citrus “Mojito” tropical lime character. Its moderate alpha acid levels make it an excellent choice for use throughout the brewing process and provides a balanced bitterness when employed in multiple additions.
It has a distinct aroma reminiscent of Saaz, but offers vivacious lemon and lime notes backed by delicate floral spice. It works well in a variety of styles, including Pilsners, Mexican lagers, Saisons, Belgian ales and American pale ales.
A cross between Saaz and a New Zealand breeding selection, Motueka imparts a delightful combination of lemon and lime notes backed by delicate floral and spicy spice. Its fruity character makes it a great balancing hop in higher gravity styles, but it can also be used as a single-hop in IPA’s and other big beers.
Brewing Uses
Motueka is a New Zealand-grown hop variety that is popular for its citrusy aroma and flavor profile. Its pronounced citrus notes are complimented by subtle floral, tropical, and fruity flavors.
It can be used to brew many styles of beer, including Pilsners and Lagers, Belgian ales, and IPAs. Its moderate alpha acid levels make it an excellent choice for a wide range of applications, and its balanced bitterness integrates well with high gravity brews and complements strong malt characteristics like sweetness and body.
The Motueka hop is a cross between a New Zealand breeding selection and Saaz, resulting in a hop that offers a unique aroma and flavor profile. Its distinctive tropical lime character shines in a variety of beers, especially single-hopped IPAs.
Pairing
Motueka hops are a popular variety in New Zealand and they have a unique aroma that many brewers love. They have a citrusy and tropical fruit aroma that pairs well with many different beer styles.
When brewing with this hop variety you want to make sure that you pair it with other varieties of hops that can help balance the flavor of the hops. This will help your beer stay balanced and tasty!
Motueka can be used as a standalone addition in a few beer styles, but it’s best to use it in combination with other varieties. This will create a more complex and interesting flavor in your beer.
Availability and Cultivation
Hops are a staple of the home brewing community. While traditional varieties such as Willamette, Tettnang, and East Kent Golding are still widely used, hobby brewers are increasingly looking to the southern hemisphere for newer aroma-driven varietals.
The Motueka variety is a result of a breeding program aimed at creating novel aroma hops that impart unique flavors to beer. Its vivacious fresh crushed citrus ‘mojito’ lime character and moderate alpha acid level make it a popular choice for dual-use aroma and bittering brews.
Motueka grows well in New Zealand’s warm, temperate climate. The ideal temperature is in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit with 6 hours of sunlight each day, although they are hardy enough to thrive in zones 3 through 8. Plant your Motueka rhizome at least four inches deep and space them three to five feet apart.