Petit BlancvsCrystal

Petit Blanc and Crystal are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Petit Blanc

Aroma

Alpha acid

2–4%

Beta acid

5–6%

Total oil

0.5–0.8 mL

France

Crystal

Aroma

Alpha acid

2.8–6%

Beta acid

4.5–8.5%

Total oil

0.8–2.3 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Petit Blanc

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

When to pick Crystal

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

Green

Only in Petit Blanc

CherryMelonPapayaLilac

Only in Crystal

WoodyFloralFruitySpicyCinnamonNutmegBlack currant

Property

PropertyPetit BlancCrystal
Alpha acid2–4%2.8–6%
Beta acid5–6%4.5–8.5%
Co-humulone15%20–26%
Total oil0.5–0.8 mL0.8–2.3 mL
Myrcene-30–55%
Humulene-20–30%
Caryophyllene-5–12%
Farnesene-0–1%
OriginFranceUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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