MotuekavsSouthern Cross

Motueka and Southern Cross 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

Southern Cross

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

11–14%

Beta acid

5–7%

Total oil

1.2–2 mL

New Zealand

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 Southern Cross

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusLimeLemonTropical

Only in Motueka

MojitoFloral

Only in Southern Cross

PineSpicyZest

Property

PropertyMotuekaSouthern Cross
Alpha acid5–8.5%11–14%
Beta acid5–5.5%5–7%
Co-humulone25–35%25–28%
Total oil0.8–1 mL1.2–2 mL
Myrcene47–48%31–55%
Humulene3–4%13–21%
Caryophyllene1–3%5–8%
Farnesene12–13%6–8%
OriginNew ZealandNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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