CitravsCascade

Citra and Cascade are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Citra

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10–15%

Beta acid

3–4.5%

Total oil

1.5–3 mL

United States

Cascade

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

4.5–9%

Beta acid

4.8–7.5%

Total oil

0.7–2.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Citra

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick Cascade

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusGrapefruitFloral

Only in Citra

PeachMelonLimeGooseberryPassion fruitLychee

Only in Cascade

SpicyPine

Property

PropertyCitraCascade
Alpha acid10–15%4.5–9%
Beta acid3–4.5%4.8–7.5%
Co-humulone20–35%30–40%
Total oil1.5–3 mL0.7–2.5 mL
Myrcene60–70%45–60%
Humulene7–13%8–20%
Caryophyllene5–8%3–9%
Farnesene0–1%3–9%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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