Medusa
Alpha acid
3–5%
Beta acid
5–6.5%
Total oil
0.4–0.7 mL
United States
Zappa
Alpha acid
6–9%
Beta acid
8–9%
Total oil
1.8–2.5 mL
United States
Key differences
When to pick Medusa
No clear differences - both varieties have a similar profile. Choose based on availability or country of origin.
When to pick Zappa
- Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
- More essential oils - more intense aroma
- Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
- More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
- Richer, more complex aroma profile
Aroma profile and use
Shared aromas
Citrus
Only in Medusa
GuavaMelonApricotLemonLimeAlfalfaPeach
Only in Zappa
MintSavoryFruityMangoPassion fruitTropicalPineSpicyFresh
Property
| Property | Medusa | Zappa |
|---|---|---|
| Alpha acid | 3–5% | 6–9% |
| Beta acid | 5–6.5% | 8–9% |
| Co-humulone | 35–49% | 40–45% |
| Total oil | 0.4–0.7 mL | 1.8–2.5 mL |
| Myrcene | 54–55% | 64–65% |
| Humulene | 9–10% | 4–5% |
| Caryophyllene | 13–14% | 8–9% |
| Farnesene | 1–2% | 0–1% |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Purpose | Aroma | Aroma |