NuggetvsMotueka

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

Nugget

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

9.5–16%

Beta acid

3–5.8%

Total oil

0.9–3.3 mL

United States

Motueka

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–8.5%

Beta acid

5–5.5%

Total oil

0.8–1 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

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

When to pick Motueka

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Citrus

Only in Nugget

HerbalGingerPineappleGeraniumLycheeHerbalEarthyCoconut

Only in Motueka

MojitoLimeLemonTropicalFloral

Property

PropertyNuggetMotueka
Alpha acid9.5–16%5–8.5%
Beta acid3–5.8%5–5.5%
Co-humulone22–30%25–35%
Total oil0.9–3.3 mL0.8–1 mL
Myrcene48–59%47–48%
Humulene12–22%3–4%
Caryophyllene7–10%1–3%
Farnesene0–1%12–13%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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