CitravsVital

Citra and Vital 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

Vital

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9–16%

Beta acid

6–11%

Total oil

1.1–2.5 mL

Czech Republic

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 Vital

  • 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 Vital

PlumLavenderSpicyLicorice

Property

PropertyCitraVital
Alpha acid10–15%9–16%
Beta acid3–4.5%6–11%
Co-humulone20–35%21–26%
Total oil1.5–3 mL1.1–2.5 mL
Myrcene60–70%40–60%
Humulene7–13%2–5%
Caryophyllene5–8%5–8%
Farnesene0–1%1–3%
OriginUnited StatesCzech Republic
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

Related comparisons