CitravsEl Dorado

Citra and El Dorado 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

El Dorado

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

13–17%

Beta acid

6.4–8%

Total oil

2.5–3.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Citra

  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

When to pick El Dorado

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Citra

CitrusGrapefruitPeachMelonLimeFloralGooseberryPassion fruitLychee

Only in El Dorado

FruityTropicalPearWatermelonCandyStone fruit

Property

PropertyCitraEl Dorado
Alpha acid10–15%13–17%
Beta acid3–4.5%6.4–8%
Co-humulone20–35%28–33%
Total oil1.5–3 mL2.5–3.3 mL
Myrcene60–70%55–60%
Humulene7–13%10–15%
Caryophyllene5–8%6–8%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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