Hops to take center stage at annual herb sale

I was surprised to learn recently, that the hop plant was named Herb of the Year by The Herb Society of America. All I knew about hops is that it’s the dried flowers of the female plant that give beer its somewhat bitter quality. Clearly, I needed to learn more.

For starters, the botanical name for hops sounds like something out of a Dr. Seuss story: Humulus lupulus. A visit to the website of Swiss berbalist Alfred Vogel told me that the genus name “humulus” was given to hops back in the fourteenth century and may derive from a German word meaning “fruit-bearing.” “Lupulus” (small wolf) is only slightly more clear, possibly referring to hops’ ability to grow so quickly that it seems to devour other plants. (https://www.avogel. ch/en/plant-encyclopaedia/humulus_lupulus.php)

But surely a plant needs to have more to its credit than a flavoring for beer to elevate it to Herb of the Year status? I consulted Sarah Garland’s “The Complete Book of Herbs and Spices,” and learned that hops had many uses before it was added to beer. The young side shoots may be harvested, cooked, and eaten like asparagus, and the buds and new leaves may also be eaten — as long as you blanch them to remove the bitterness.

Hop tea also makes a “good general tonic,” has a gentle sedative effect, stimulates the appetite, and aids digestion. Pillows stuffed with dried hops supposedly calm the nerves. I also learned that although hops were used in beer brewing in northern Europe from the 8th century, this use did not catch on in Britain until the 16th century; they were considered unwholesome. Though it’s hard to understand how herbs with names like ground ivy, broom, and bog bean could be any more savory.

Hops may also be used in the landscape. In her book, “The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping,” author Rosalind Creasy describes a twining plant that will grow anywhere except under desert conditions, as long as planted in rich soil. In a single season, the stems can grow over twenty feet, and can be trained to cover trellises, fences, and pergolas.

Creasy points out that the main requirements of hops are rich, well-drained soil, plenty of water after growth starts in the spring, and a strong support. Also, the vines need to be cut down annually to control rampant growth.

Albert Vogel’s website points