Marco PolovsNugget

Marco Polo and Nugget are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Marco Polo

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–13%

Beta acid

4.5–5.5%

Total oil

-

China

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Marco Polo

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

When to pick Nugget

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Marco Polo

GooseberryOreganoElderflower

Only in Nugget

HerbalCitrusGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut

Property

PropertyMarco PoloNugget
Alpha acid12–13%9.5–16%
Beta acid4.5–5.5%3–5.8%
Co-humulone30–35%22–30%
Total oil-0.9–3.3 mL
Myrcene40–50%48–59%
Humulene15–25%12–22%
Caryophyllene8–12%7–10%
Farnesene0–1%0–1%
OriginChinaUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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