Zamba BlendvsRiwaka

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

Zamba Blend

Aroma

Alpha acid

8–12%

Beta acid

4–6%

Total oil

1.5–2.5 mL

United States

Riwaka

Aroma

Alpha acid

4.5–6.5%

Beta acid

4–5%

Total oil

0.8–1.5 mL

New Zealand

Key differences

When to pick Zamba Blend

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

When to pick Riwaka

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

Aroma profile and use

No shared aromas - the varieties have divergent profiles.

Only in Zamba Blend

MangoStone fruitOrangeTangerinePineapple

Only in Riwaka

TropicalPassion fruitGrapefruitCitrus

Property

PropertyZamba BlendRiwaka
Alpha acid8–12%4.5–6.5%
Beta acid4–6%4–5%
Co-humulone28–32%29–38%
Total oil1.5–2.5 mL0.8–1.5 mL
Myrcene60–70%67–70%
Humulene9–13%8–10%
Caryophyllene5–8%2–6%
Farnesene1–4%0–1%
OriginUnited StatesNew Zealand
PurposeAromaAroma

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