Visit our store for a wider selection and the best deals or order for pick up - 12249 San Pablo Ave Richmond, CA 94805

BETTER PRICES AND FULL SELECTION OF SPICES AVAILABLE IN STORE

The online catalog is not a reflection of in-store prices.

FOR IN-STORE CUSTOMERS, CALL US TO ASK ABOUT A SPECIFIC PRODUCT IN STOCK BEFORE COMING IN.

(510) 232-1911

Hops: What It Is and How to Use It

Hops: What It Is and How to Use It

Hops are the cone-shaped flowers of Humulus lupulus, a climbing plant best known as the ingredient that gives beer its characteristic bitterness and aroma. Beyond brewing, hops have a long tradition in herbalism, where the dried flowers were traditionally used to support relaxation and restful sleep. You'll find them at William's Natural Foods, 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA 94805.

Available in Bulk

We carry dried hops flowers in our bulk herb section, so you can grab the exact amount you want — from a spoonful for a bedtime tea blend to a full bag. Our staff can help you find them and suggest traditional combinations.

What We Carry

  • Whole dried flowers (cones) — the papery hop cones, as used in brewing and herbalism.
  • Cut and sifted flowers — for easier measuring in teas and sachets.
  • Relaxation tea blends — hops often appear in our sleepytime and calming tea blends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are hops traditionally used for in herbalism?

Dried hops flowers have been traditionally used to support relaxation and restful sleep — often combined with valerian root, chamomile, or passionflower in bedtime teas. In folk tradition, people also tucked hops into pillows, believing the aroma encouraged sleep. These are traditional uses, not proven effects.

Do hops contain alcohol?

No — hops themselves contain no alcohol. They're simply the bitter, aromatic flowers added during brewing; the alcohol in beer comes from fermented grain sugars. Hops tea is completely non-alcoholic and naturally caffeine-free.

What do hops smell and taste like?

Intensely aromatic — piney, citrusy, floral, or earthy depending on the variety, thanks to fragrant oils. As a tea, hops are quite bitter, which is why they're usually blended with sweeter or milder herbs like chamomile or lemon balm rather than drunk straight.

Are hops related to any other plants?

Yes — hops belong to the Cannabaceae family, making them botanical cousins of cannabis (though hops contain no THC or CBD). The family resemblance shows in the plants' similar-looking leaves. It's a fun fact, but the two plants have very different traditional uses.

Did you know? Hops have flavored beer for over a thousand years — the earliest documented use of hops in brewing dates to 9th-century Bavaria, and today the Hallertau region of Germany is the world's largest hop-growing area (source: documented brewing history; German Hop Growers' Association).

Visit William's Natural Foods at 12249 San Pablo Ave, Richmond, CA — open Monday through Friday 9 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. Our staff can help you find hops in the bulk herbs and suggest bedtime tea blends.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a qualified health professional about any health questions.