CitravsColumbia

Citra and Columbia 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

Columbia

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–9%

Beta acid

3–4%

Total oil

1–2 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 Columbia

No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Citra

GrapefruitPeachMelonLimeFloralGooseberryPassion fruitLychee

Only in Columbia

PineappleLemonNoblePungent

Property

PropertyCitraColumbia
Alpha acid10–15%5–9%
Beta acid3–4.5%3–4%
Co-humulone20–35%40%
Total oil1.5–3 mL1–2 mL
Myrcene60–70%45–55%
Humulene7–13%15–19%
Caryophyllene5–8%9–12%
Farnesene0–1%3–5%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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