CitravsUSDA 008

Citra and USDA 008 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

USDA 008

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

10.1–11.1%

Beta acid

2.7–3.3%

Total oil

1.6–1.7 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 USDA 008

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusPeachFloral

Only in Citra

GrapefruitMelonLimeGooseberryPassion fruitLychee

Only in USDA 008

SweetMangoStone fruit

Property

PropertyCitraUSDA 008
Alpha acid10–15%10.1–11.1%
Beta acid3–4.5%2.7–3.3%
Co-humulone20–35%25–26%
Total oil1.5–3 mL1.6–1.7 mL
Myrcene60–70%6–7%
Humulene7–13%48–49%
Caryophyllene5–8%16–17%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons