TaihekevsBelma

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

Taiheke

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

5–9%

Beta acid

5–5.5%

Total oil

1–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Belma

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

8.5–12.1%

Beta acid

4–8%

Total oil

1–2.5 mL

United States

Key differences

When to pick Taiheke

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

When to pick Belma

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

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusTropicalGrapefruit

Only in Taiheke

LemonLimeFloralSpicy

Only in Belma

OrangeMelonStrawberryPineappleBerry

Property

PropertyTaihekeBelma
Alpha acid5–9%8.5–12.1%
Beta acid5–5.5%4–8%
Co-humulone33–40%-
Total oil1–1.5 mL1–2.5 mL
Myrcene50–60%65–68%
Humulene10–20%-
Caryophyllene5–10%-
Farnesene0–5%-
OriginNew ZealandUnited States
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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