‘Saaz is our gold’: the Czech scientists breeding hops that can survive a hotter Europe

Researchers at the Hop Research Institute in Czechia are developing new drought-resistant varieties of Saaz hops, essential for the country's renowned pilsner beer, in response to increasing droughts and heatwaves affecting traditional cultivation.

This initiative is crucial for preserving Czechia's beer heritage and ensuring the sustainability of its brewing industry, as climate change poses significant challenges to the cultivation of this key ingredient.