DETERMINATION OF COMMON HOP INFLORESCENCES QUALITY INDICATORS IN THE NORTH CAUCASUS REGION

The aim of the study is to investigate the quality indicators of wild common hop inflorescences growing in the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania for the purpose of their practical use in the food industry. Female inflorescences (cones) were harvested in September 2023 at the stage of technical maturity. The selection was carried out from at least 10 bushes, from the middle tier of plants. Determination of qualitative and quantitative characteristics was carried out in samples of raw materials dried at a temperature of 40 °C to a humidity of 12–13 %. Qualitative indicators of average samples were determined according to GOST 21948-76. In terms of quality indicators, the studied samples correspond to the selection ones. A high content of bitter substances in the cones is noted – from 11.9 to 13.4 % of the dry matter weight. The results of the studies on the determination of valuable bitter α-acids showed that their content in wild hop cones ranges from 3.00 to 4.17 % of the dry matter mass. The presence of bitter β-acids in the studied samples was identified. The content of essential oils in the composition of wild hop cones was determined, which amounted to 0.50 to 0.53 ml/100 g of dry matter. The content of total polyphenols in the studied samples was 5.38–5.62 % of the dry matter weight. The ratio of the content of polyphenols per 1 g of α-acids was 1.2–1.6. Inflorescences (cones) of wild hops growing in the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania contain a significant amount of bitter, polyphenolic substances, essential oils and are a valuable source of raw materials for enriching food product recipes.