View source for Žatecký chmel (Žatec hop)

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|title=Žatecký chmel (Žatec hop)
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|description=Chránených Označení PôCHOP Žatecký chmel is a hop from the Czech Republic. A specific property of ‘Žatecký chmel’ is the appearance..
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[[Image:{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Žatecký chmel]]
'''[[Template:Chránených Označení Pôvodu|CHOP]] Žatecký chmel''' is a [[hop]] from the Czech Republic.  A specific property of ‘Žatecký chmel’ is the appearance of the cone (moderately to
elongated ovoid, 100 cones weighing 13-17 g; strig fine, regular, 12-16 mm in length), the delicate
hoppy aroma and the golden colour of the lupulin. Characteristic features of ‘Žatecký chmel’ are the
red colour of the bine, the fine strig, a low myrcene content and a balanced alpha and beta acid
content. Typical of the composition of the hop resins is a relatively low alpha-bitter acid content. The beta-bitter acid content is higher than the alpha-bitter acid content. The myrcene content is 25-40 %. Another characteristic feature is
the presence of a large amount of beta-farnesene (14-20 %), which in other [[hops]] is present only in
very small amounts. The general character of the fragrance of ‘Žatecký chmel’ is determined by the
ratio between all the individual constituents of the [[hop]] [[oils]]. ‘Žatecký chmel’ hops are semi-early. They
are supplied to the market pressed or granulated.

'''Geographical area'''

‘Žatecký chmel’ [[hops]] are grown in what is termed the Žatec [[hop]]-growing
area. This comprises cadastral areas in the districts of Louny, Rakovník, Chomutov, Kladno, Plzeň-
sever and Rokycany. Further details are provided in the specification.

'''Method of production'''

‘Žatecký chmel’ hops are grown on [[hop]]-poles in the Žatec [[hop]]-growing
area. The springtime work begins in April with cutting and wiring, followed by training, cultivation
and the application of chemical protection. During the growing period, a number of spraying operations
are carried out in order to control pests and diseases. The [[hops]] are harvested in the second half
of August and early September. The [[hops]] are processed into pressed or granulated [[hops]].
The [[hop]]-poles are constructed of wooden (and in some cases concrete) posts. Wire is also used, or
steel rope in the case of new [[hop]]-poles. The [[hop]]-poles are about 7 metres high (optimum height for
[[hops]] grown in this area). One hectare of [[hop]] garden contains 2500-3500 [[hop]] plants, depending on
planting density (determined by farming techniques, the growth properties of the plants and crop
structure optimisation). 

[[Hops]] are a perennial plant that remains on the same site for up to 20 years.
Only female plants are grown for production purposes in a [[hop]] garden. The presence of male plants
is undesirable in terms of its effects on the quality of the [[hops]].

‘Žatecký chmel’ hops have been grown in their traditional area for more than 1000 years. Only the
following clones may be referred to as ‘Žatecký chmel’: Lučan (registered 1941), Blato (1952),
Osvaldův klon 31 (1952), Osvaldův klon 72 (1952), Osvaldův klon 114 (1952), Siřem (1969), Zlatan
(1976), Podlešák (1989) and Blšanka (1993).

'''Link'''

It is the specific natural conditions in the Žatec [[hop]]-growing area that provide the basis for
the uniqueness of ‘Žatecký chmel’. This area is protected to the north-west by the
Ore Mountains, the Doupov Hills and the Bohemian uplands, which produce a rain shadow. The total
annual rainfall in this area is therefore only about 450 mm. The timing of the rainfall is, however,
favourable to the development of the [[hops]] (average rainfall during the growing period is about
260 mm). The average annual temperature is 8-9 °C (but 14-16 °C during the growing period). The
quality of the [[hops]] is determined not only by the climatic conditions but also by the area's soil. This
consists mainly of Permian red-bed soils, but there are also lighter sandy marl soils. The growth and
development of the [[hops]] is also influenced by the situation of the [[hop]] gardens, which is determined
in particular by the altitude (200-500 metres above sea level) and the position within the lie of the
land, the gradient and exposure to the different points of the compass. 

The [[hop]] gardens are located in
particular in broad, open valleys with a free airflow which are sufficiently sheltered from strong west
and north winds. The [[hops]] would not achieve such quality or yields in other areas, where these conditions
do not exist. The environment has an influence in particular on the content and growth of the
[[hops]]. The conditions described above (combination of average rainfall, temperatures, soil profiles, altitude
and light) are unique to the Žatec [[hop]]-growing area. Other [[hop]]-growing areas in the world will
always differ in respect of certain of the basic conditions (e.g. higher rainfall, higher average temperatures,
shorter average length of day/daylight during the growing period).

'''Reference:  [http://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/quality/door/registeredName.html?denominationId=794 The European Commission]'''

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[[Category:Herbs]]
 [[Category:Prepared foods]]
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