It doesn't get much fresher than harvesting your own hops. Luckily, the inaugural Hop Harvest Party and U-Pick for Central Florida Hops allows Bay area brewers and beer enthusiasts to do just that — if they're up for the short drive to its headquarters in Zellwood.
Planned for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday rain or shine, the event spotlights more than eight varieties of Florida-grown hops that attendees are welcome to pick straight from the bine. There's no cost to attend or partake in the hands-on experience. However, the availability of this key beer ingredient is first come, first served.
Translation: Arrive early, people.
While closed-toe shoes are required, breathable, long-sleeve shirts and gloves are recommended, as are five-gallon buckets or bags to take home the hauls of hops. Some materials will be on hand, but help Central Florida Hops out by bringing your own, will ya?
As the crew likes to say, "Hoppy harvesting."
This article appears in Jul 19-26, 2018.