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Hops
are a flower used primarily as a flavouring and stability agent in
beer.. The first documented use in beer is from the eleventh century.
Hops come from the flowers of Humulus lupulus and contain several
characteristics very favourable to beer: First, hops contribute a
bitterness that balances the sweetness of the grain,
contribute aromas that are flowery, citrus, fruity or herbal, and
lastly, hops have an antibiotic effect that favors the activity of
brewer's yeast over less desirable microorganisms. While hop plants are
grown by farmers all around the world in many different varieties,
there is no major commercial use for hops other than in beer, although
hops are an ingredient in Julmust, a carbonated beverage similar to
cola that is popular in Sweden during December.
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Beer and Wine
Maker 
