December 10, 2020
University of Idaho student Maggie Zee is researching how to turn hops by-product into a useable fiber for textile applications.
University of Idaho student explores uses for hops waste, including as a fiber for textile applications.
By Amy Calabretta
Hops are famous for adding bitterness, flavor and aroma to beer. The hop flower, or cone, is used in the brewing process while the remaining plant, or bine, is often mulched into compost. But, what if that hops waste could be used for something else maybe something you’d want to wear? That’s the question University of Idaho College of Agricultural and Life Sciences student Maggie Zee is hoping to answer.