Poperingse Hopscheuten (Hop Shoots) are shoots which grow slowly in the underground portion of the hop plant (Humulus Lupulus). Once fully grown, they have a diameter of 3 mm to 5 mm and a length of 4 cm to 8 cm. ‘Poperingse hopscheuten’/‘Poperingse hoppescheuten’ are always an attractive white colour, contain no soil and are disease- and parasite-free. They have a firm texture and are crunchy (neither stringy nor woody), so they break easily without fraying at their tips. ‘Poperingse hopscheuten’/‘Poperingse hoppescheuten’ display traces of nodes (unlike soya shoots, for example). The taste of ‘Poperingse hopscheuten’/‘Poperingse hoppescheuten’ is highly specific, but may best be described as a ‘typical nutty taste’ with a hint of chicory. A comparison, though difficult to make, is the only way to describe their organoleptic characteristics. The taste of ‘Poperingse hopscheuten’/‘Poperingse hoppescheuten’ is reminiscent of purslane, thick bean sprouts or the creamy, nutty taste of salsify. The taste is fresh and very earthy.
