Hop shoots

Humulus lupulus · Vegetable

40 pairings

Hop shoots are the tender young growing tips of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus) — the same climbing vine grown for the cones that flavour beer — harvested in early spring before the bines toughen. Known in Italy as bruscandoli, luppoli or vertis, they are one of Europe's most fleeting and prized wild-foraged vegetables, eaten like a thin, faintly bitter asparagus.

Picking a good onedrag

Just cut, snaps wetWoody, limp, dark at the tie

Market freshThe tied spring bundle: blanch a minute or two, or straight into butter for risotto, frittata and omelette.Everyday best

The tipTip just opening, leaves small and soft

The snapSnaps, the break drier and higher up

Cut ends and stalk colourFaces dry and pale, stems firm to squeeze

Smell at the bundleGreen and quiet, almost nothing

What to look for, from just cut, snaps wet to woody, limp, dark at the tie.

Preparing