Hop Shoots

It is now officially spring. I have dozens of hop shoots poking up their heads, looking like mini purple asparagi. Soon I will have to pinch them off so I don't have too many vines growing.

I remember reading that hop shoots can be used for cooking, and are considered a delicacy in parts of Europe. Does anybody have any knowledge about eating hop shoots? When should I pick them and how should they be prepared?


TIA,
dave

d4v3 wrote:I remember reading that hop shoots can be used for cooking, and are considered a delicacy in parts of Europe. Does anybody have any knowledge about eating hop shoots? When should I pick them and how should they be prepared?

I've heard that too, although I've never tried it. I believe they should be harvested and cooked just like asparagus.

When are you inviting me over?

Michael Jackson's "Beer Companion" has a tasty sounding Belgian recipe for hop shoots. (I don't think I can post it, due to copyright.)

http://www.beerhunter.com/publications.html