Question: why are hops used in beer?
Answer: The four main ingredients in beer are malt, water, yeast, and hops. ... Hops are the flowers, or cones, of a plant called Humulus lupulus. Hops help to keep beer fresher, longer; help beer retain its head of foam—a key component of a beer's aroma and flavor; and, of course, add “hoppy” aroma, flavor, and bitterness.