Motueka

Lime and Lemon Zest • New Zealand Brightness • Mojito in a Hop

Motueka is a standout New Zealand variety, bred from Saaz parentage and prized for an electric citrus profile that brewers consistently describe as fresh lime, lemon zest, and mojito. It carries noble-hop refinement underneath all that brightness, which lets it sparkle in delicate lagers and bold hoppy ales alike.

With an alpha acid content of 7%, Motueka can handle bittering duty cleanly, but its vivid oils make it most valuable in late-boil, whirlpool, and dry hop additions where the citrus stays fresh.

Flavor & Aroma Profile

• Bright fresh lime zest
• Sunny lemon citrus
• Light tropical fruit background
• Cool mojito-like herbal lift
• Crisp, clean bitterness

A small late addition gives lagers and pale ales a zesty lift; heavy whirlpool and dry hop charges turn the beer into a full lime-and-tropical showcase.

Brewing Applications

Motueka is a staple ingredient in many modern and hybrid styles, including:

• New Zealand Pilsner
• American and NZ Pale Ale
• IPA and Hazy IPA
• Saison
• Wheat Beer and Witbier
• Summer Blonde Ale

It also brightens fruit beers and seltzer-adjacent light ales, and pairs brilliantly with Nelson Sauvin in all-NZ hop bills.

Usage Recommendations

For a 5 gallon batch, use 0.5–1 oz at 60 minutes if bittering with Motueka, then concentrate 1–2 oz in the whirlpool and 1–2 oz as a dry hop. Light usage reads as a noble-citrus accent; heavy late usage delivers the full mojito character the hop is famous for.

For a standout NZ Pilsner, hop a clean Pilsner malt base entirely with Motueka and ferment cold — the lime-zest finish does the rest.

Specifications

• Alpha Acid: 7%
• Flavor Notes: Lime, lemon, tropical, citrus, mojito
• Typical Use: Dual-purpose, strongest late
• Common Additions: Whirlpool, dry hop, 60 min
• Substitutes: Citra, Wakatu, Saaz (character base)
• Beer Styles: NZ Pilsner, pale ale, IPA, saison, wheat beer

Whether you're crafting a zesty New Zealand Pilsner, a summery pale ale, or a lime-kissed hazy, Motueka provides the fresh-squeezed brightness that put New Zealand hops on the map.