MotuekavsNugget

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

Motueka

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8.5%

Beta acid

5–5.5%

Total oil

0.8–1 mL

New Zealand

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 Motueka

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

When to pick Nugget

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Motueka

MojitoLimeLemonTropicalFloral

Only in Nugget

HerbalGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut

Property

PropertyMotuekaNugget
Alpha acid5–8.5%9.5–16%
Beta acid5–5.5%3–5.8%
Co-humulone25–35%22–30%
Total oil0.8–1 mL0.9–3.3 mL
Myrcene47–48%48–59%
Humulene3–4%12–22%
Caryophyllene1–3%7–10%
Farnesene12–13%0–1%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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