This method describes how to determine iso-α-acids, α-acids and β-acids in isomerized pellets by means of reverse phase high pressure liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).
Isomerized pellets intended for use in beer brewing or elsewhere in the food industry
The bitter substances in isomerized hop pellets contain a substantial amount of iso-α-acids; however, in addition to these, non-isomerized α-acids and β-acids are also present. In order to determine their content, a specific method is required.
After milling, the substances in question are extracted from the isomerized pellets using a diethyl ether/methanol mixture and a hydrochloric acid solution. The iso-α-acids, α-acids and β-acids dissolved in the ether phase are separated using reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and an elution gradient. They are then measured spectrophotometrically at wavelengths of 270 nm (iso-α-acids) and 314 nm (α-acids and β-acids).