LEELANAU COUNTY -- It’s a crop of hops that is bridging the research gap here in northern Michigan. 7&4's Kate Fox spent the day finding out how the fields of green could tempt your taste buds with a new flavor brew.
In response to a worldwide shortage, MSU Extension hopped to it and about a year ago it sprouted an experimental field of 14 variety hops crops.
MSU Extension Educator Rob Sirrine says, "One thing we need to really focus on above all else is quality because brewers will pay a little more for hops made in Michigan but they have to be superior quality."
To obtain that quality MSU Extension is researching what variety of hops grow best in northern Michigan
Sirrine explains, "What were testing is alpha acid content and some of the oils and that's what brewers really want to know because they need to know that to determine what flavor it will impart on their beer.”
But more importantly the research is looking at management practices so it can then share that information with local growers.
Sirrine says, "Obviously we have a different environment than the pacific northwest so things that work out there don't necessary work here. We've been out growing cover crops that add nitrogen to soil...we potentially have the opportunity to produce hops in a more sustainable, small-scale way then they do in the northwest. "
There is a tremendous interest from across Michigan. MSU Extension is working with New Holland Brewing downstate and some local hot spots like Short's and Right Brain Breweries in Traverse City.
The project is in year two and is supported by a $25,000 dollar MSU grant called "Project Green."
