RiwakavsZamba Blend

Riwaka and Zamba Blend are popular aroma hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Riwaka

Aroma

Alpha acid

4.5–6.5%

Beta acid

4–5%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Zamba Blend

Aroma

Alpha acid

8–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.5–2.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Riwaka

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

When to pick Zamba Blend

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Riwaka

TropicalPassion fruitGrapefruitCitrus

Only in Zamba Blend

MangoStone fruitOrangeTangerinePineapple

Property

PropertyRiwakaZamba Blend
Alpha acid4.5–6.5%8–12%
Beta acid4–5%4–6%
Co-humulone29–38%28–32%
Total oil0.8–1.5 mL1.5–2.5 mL
Myrcene67–70%60–70%
Humulene8–10%9–13%
Caryophyllene2–6%5–8%
Farnesene0–1%1–4%
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeAromaAroma

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