health
‘Saaz is our gold’: the Czech scientists breeding hops that can survive a hotter Europe
Researchers are working to create new drought-resistant varieties of the ingredient that gives Czech pilsner its character
TL;DR
- Czechia's Saaz hops, crucial for its world-famous beer, are threatened by increasing droughts and heatwaves.
- Scientists are breeding new, climate-resilient hop varieties that can withstand less water and higher temperatures.
- New varieties like Saaz Shine and Saaz Comfort are showing promise in trials and are being tested by brewers.
- These developments are important for maintaining the quality and consistency of Czech beer, as well as potentially expanding hop cultivation to new regions.
- Despite advancements, scientists emphasize that the original Saaz hops remain highly valued and irreplaceable.