CrystalvsZamba Blend
Crystal and Zamba Blend are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.
Crystal
Alpha acid
2.8–6%
Beta acid
4.5–8.5%
Total oil
0.8–2.3 mL
United States
Zamba Blend
Alpha acid
8–12%
Beta acid
4–6%
Total oil
1.5–2.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Crystal
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
When to pick Zamba Blend
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
Aroma profile and use
No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.
Only in Crystal
WoodyFloralGreenFruitySpicyCinnamonNutmegBlack currant
Only in Zamba Blend
MangoStone fruitOrangeTangerinePineapple
Property
| Property | Crystal | Zamba Blend |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 2.8–6% | 8–12% |
| Beta acid | 4.5–8.5% | 4–6% |
| Co-humulone | 20–26% | 28–32% |
| Total oil | 0.8–2.3 mL | 1.5–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 30–55% | 60–70% |
| Humulene | 20–30% | 9–13% |
| Caryophyllene | 5–12% | 5–8% |
| Farnesene | 0–1% | 1–4% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Aroma | Aroma |
Hersbrucker
Strisselspalt