HOPS AT CASTLE FARM
Hops have been grown at Castle Farm for over 300 years for their use as an essential preservative and flavouring in the brewing of beer. Always planted on the best soil on a farm, hops are very vigorous, sending out long shoots which are trained to climb up strings to a height of over 5m. Each 'string' of hops is then known as a hop bine (or hop vine). The showy 'flowers' on the female plants are ready for harvesting from mid August to mid September.
HOPS FOR DECORATION
In the hop growing areas of England, hop bines have always been used for decoration along the beams of old farmhouse kitchens, on top of dressers and over the bar in pubs and hotels. They were associated with bringing good fortune and it was considered unlucky to take one down before the new season's fresh one was ready to put up. Dried hops are reputed to deter spiders.
The Hop Shop was the first company to commercially market the decorative use of dried hop bines throughout the UK, supplying florists, interior designers and individuals from the early 1980's so we have lots of experience!
Our hop bines are grown in a special way to maximise the number of hop flowers to give you the best decorative effect.
Today their popularity has extended throughout the country and they are sought after not only for the home but also for decorating churches, wedding marquees, barn dances and party events. They are also excellent for covering unsightly pipes or wirework. They give instant effect and are superb value for money especially in large venues. Our hops are frequently featured in the stylish interiors of lifestyle magazines.
Fresh hop bines are available from mid August to mid September.
Dried hop bines are available from early September throughout the year.
HOPS FOR SLEEPING
In addition to their use in brewing, hops have traditionally been used as a cure for insomnia hence the popularity of hop pillows. As a result of this reputation, The Hop Shop has developed a unique Hop and Lavender 'Sleepy Scent' as a pillow fragrance. Go to 'Lavender' and 'Mail Order Shopping' for more details.
HOPS FOR EATING
Young hop shoots in spring are also a culinary delicacy enjoyed by the Romans and known as poor man's asparagus! They are only available in mid to late April after which they develop a bitter taste. They can be used as a garnish with fish and are good to eat lightly fried with garlic and butter.
Hops have been grown at Castle Farm for over 300 years for their use as an essential preservative and flavouring in the brewing of beer. Always planted on the best soil on a farm, hops are very vigorous, sending out long shoots which are trained to climb up strings to a height of over 5m. Each 'string' of hops is then known as a hop bine (or hop vine). The showy 'flowers' on the female plants are ready for harvesting from mid August to mid September.
HOPS FOR DECORATION
In the hop growing areas of England, hop bines have always been used for decoration along the beams of old farmhouse kitchens, on top of dressers and over the bar in pubs and hotels. They were associated with bringing good fortune and it was considered unlucky to take one down before the new season's fresh one was ready to put up. Dried hops are reputed to deter spiders.
The Hop Shop was the first company to commercially market the decorative use of dried hop bines throughout the UK, supplying florists, interior designers and individuals from the early 1980's so we have lots of experience!
Our hop bines are grown in a special way to maximise the number of hop flowers to give you the best decorative effect.
Today their popularity has extended throughout the country and they are sought after not only for the home but also for decorating churches, wedding marquees, barn dances and party events. They are also excellent for covering unsightly pipes or wirework. They give instant effect and are superb value for money especially in large venues. Our hops are frequently featured in the stylish interiors of lifestyle magazines.
Fresh hop bines are available from mid August to mid September.
Dried hop bines are available from early September throughout the year.
HOPS FOR SLEEPING
In addition to their use in brewing, hops have traditionally been used as a cure for insomnia hence the popularity of hop pillows. As a result of this reputation, The Hop Shop has developed a unique Hop and Lavender 'Sleepy Scent' as a pillow fragrance. Go to 'Lavender' and 'Mail Order Shopping' for more details.
HOPS FOR EATING
Young hop shoots in spring are also a culinary delicacy enjoyed by the Romans and known as poor man's asparagus! They are only available in mid to late April after which they develop a bitter taste. They can be used as a garnish with fish and are good to eat lightly fried with garlic and butter.
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