Facts on ‘Hop Shoots’: World’s Most Expensive Vegetable

Hop shoots are among the costliest crops on the market, with prices per kilogram ranging from Rs 85,000 to Rs 1 lakh. These shoots are reportedly pricey since they need a lot of work to develop and harvest.

A Brief on this Expensive Vegetable

A species of flowering plant in the Cannabaceae family of hemp that is native to Europe, western Asia, and North America is called Humulus lupulus, also known as hop shoots or hops. It is a perennial climber that can live up to 20 years and grows to a height of 6 m (19 ft 8 in) at a medium rate.

The crop, which is typically produced in America and Europe, is being planted in India as a trial to see whether India can be one of its producers.

What Makes Hop Shoots Expensive?

This vegetable takes three years to mature before it can be harvested. Because the plant's small green tips must be handled with great care when being harvested, human work must be used.

According to a few studies, hop shoots can be able to produce antibodies that can help the body fight TB. Anxiety, sleeplessness, restlessness, tension, excitability, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), nervousness, and irritability are among the conditions that the hop plant is reported to have treated.

In addition, a few additional research point out that its acids may also be able to destroy cancer cells and prevent leukemia cells. Prenylated flavonoid Xanthohumol (Xn), derived from hops (Humulus lupulus L.), has shown powerful anticancer action in a variety of cancer types.

To balance the beer's sweetness, the bloom of this priceless plant, known as hop-cones or strobile, is utilized as a stability agent in the brewing process.

Hop Shoot Culinary Uses

The most popular and simple method is to use it in salads. You can also sauté it in a little butter or olive oil and serve it as a side dish. Hop shoots can be grilled without the use of oil, and bread on the side complements the smoky flavor of the grilled hop shoots beautifully. Also beneficial for digestive health are pickled hop shoots.

Hops' Nutritional Value

It is regarded as a natural remedy since it includes several essential oils, vitamins, and minerals. Antioxidant effects of vitamins E, B6, and C increase the immune system's activity and decrease illness susceptibility.

Good For the Skin

The plant's natural oil and minerals are utilized to shrink the skin's surface blood vessels, which helps lessen redness and irritation. They also have an anti-inflammatory impact on the skin.

Decreases Hair Loss

Studies show that beer is used to wash hair because it has anti-oxidants and hops, which also aid to lessen dandruff and hair loss.

Relieves Muscles

Studies have demonstrated that hops can help with sore muscles and general body pain.

The health of the Digestive System

Hops are known to speed up the body's metabolism and, as a result, promote good digestive health.