by Allison Prater | Hops are commonly known as a staple ingredient in one of summer’s favorite beverages: ice cold beer. The French and Germans used hops in their brews since the ninth century, when they discovered its value as a preservative. Beer brewed with hops could be kept in storage longer before selling. At first, the addition of this herb was not well received as it has a bitter flavor. Its medicinal qualities, such as aiding in digestion and relaxing effects, soon made it a … [Read more...]
