CitravsSouthern Star

Citra and Southern Star 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 Star

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–18.6%

Beta acid

4–7.5%

Total oil

1.4–1.7 mL

South Africa

Key differences

When to pick Citra

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Southern Star

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusFloralPassion fruit

Only in Citra

GrapefruitPeachMelonLimeGooseberryLychee

Only in Southern Star

QuinceBerryPineappleTangerineTropicalPearCassisRoseOrangeCoffee

Property

PropertyCitraSouthern Star
Alpha acid10–15%12–18.6%
Beta acid3–4.5%4–7.5%
Co-humulone20–35%25–31%
Total oil1.5–3 mL1.4–1.7 mL
Myrcene60–70%32–38%
Humulene7–13%23–27%
Caryophyllene5–8%10–14%
Farnesene0–1%8–12%
OriginUnited StatesSouth Africa
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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