CitravsSouthern Cross

Citra and Southern Cross 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

Southern Cross

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–14%

Beta acid

5–7%

Total oil

1.2–2 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Citra

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

When to pick Southern Cross

  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusLime

Only in Citra

GrapefruitPeachMelonFloralGooseberryPassion fruitLychee

Only in Southern Cross

LemonPineSpicyTropicalZest

Property

PropertyCitraSouthern Cross
Alpha acid10–15%11–14%
Beta acid3–4.5%5–7%
Co-humulone20–35%25–28%
Total oil1.5–3 mL1.2–2 mL
Myrcene60–70%31–55%
Humulene7–13%13–21%
Caryophyllene5–8%5–8%
Farnesene0–1%6–8%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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