Citra
Alpha acid
10–15%
Beta acid
3–4.5%
Total oil
1.5–3 mL
United States
Helga
Alpha acid
5.4–7.3%
Beta acid
5–7%
Total oil
0.6–1 mL
Australia
Key differences
When to pick Citra
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Versatile - works for both bittering and aroma
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Helga
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Aroma-focused - ideal for dry hopping
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Citra
CitrusGrapefruitPeachMelonLimeFloralGooseberryPassion fruitLychee
Only in Helga
Noble
Property
| Property | Citra | Helga |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 10–15% | 5.4–7.3% |
| Beta acid | 3–4.5% | 5–7% |
| Co-humulone | 20–35% | 20–23% |
| Total oil | 1.5–3 mL | 0.6–1 mL |
| Myrcene | 60–70% | 1–13% |
| Humulene | 7–13% | 35–55% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–8% | 10–45% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | Australia |
| Purpose | Dual purpose | Aroma |