Remember, the herb “hops” refers to the cone shaped flowers of any of the many cultivars of hop plant, Humulus lupulus. Each have a somewhat distinctive aroma and taste. I trust you have chosen one which your nose found palatable. Personally, I have Cascade, Willamette, Galena, Chinook, Fugle, Northern Brewers, NEO, and Centennial in my backyard vertical space next to the house.
Cultivars are known for the specific flavor they impart when boiled in the wort (beer making) or infused into water in tea-like fashion (or added dry to aging beverages like beer). Important to note, one process frees more “Alpha Acids” which are enjoyably bitter in the proper amount while the other process releases flavor and aromas through a slower breakdown of their “Beta Acids”. In general, hop varieties are either “bittering” or “aromatic” (also referred to as “sweet”) as a function of brewing. Both may be used as herbs to enhance food flavors.
Hops became the herb of choice to flavor beer centuries ago when leaders (especially within the religious denominations) realized its calming effect on humans. Other herbs had been used in beers and meads which were much more stimulating, sometimes promoting confrontation amongst the crowds during celebrations. Beer seasoned with hops lured the individuals into a slumber – providing the host much less aggravation dealing with the participants as they fell to sleep (aka passed out).
Hops were also added to beds and pillows to help the weary traveler get his well-deserved rest. Not so much sweet dreams, but pleasant ones to say the least! A simple mix of lavender flowers, mugwort, and “sweet” hops in equal portions placed into a pillow or comforter should aid in your quest for restful sleep!
Hops is also a great addition to slumber-time teas! Keep in mind the amount of bittering hop should be kept small until you find the level you appreciate. Too much will turn your guests away in a single breath!
Baths are a luxury these days, but if you find yourself in need of a truly relaxing adventure try adding hops to the warm bath water as you are filling the tub. The same acids which impart a calming to beer will sooth your skin and prepare your body for a wonderful night of sleep! Do not use beer, as it tends to have sugars from the malts that were not all consumed by the yeast and will make your skin tacky/sticky!
In the kitchen, I keep a jar of ground dried hops with a shaker lid on my herb turnstyle for use. I often use it with Chicken, fish, beef, pork, lamb, vegetables. Hops can enhance the flavor of the food just as lemon, lime, or salt sharpens the food's flavor.
I have even had lemonade enhanced with hops (a newer variety known as Citra) which adds a somewhat grapefruit flavor to the drink. For more information on this “treat” and other ideas to incorporate hops in your foods, check out the book from Marie and Michael Porter listed below. They combine their knowledge and efforts to provide the basics of hops and how they have added them into duplicatable recipes. Enjoy your herbs every day!
References:
Making Herbal Dream Pillows by Jim Long, 1998
Hedonistic Hops by Marie and Michael Porter, 2016
Did You Know? @ The Herb Society of America