What is root beer? This question has been on my mind since I was a kid.
I remember going to the local ice cream shop and seeing a big glass bottle of root beer on the counter and thinking “what is that stuff?” The name sounded so strange, and I was always curious about what it tasted like.
So, what is root beer?.
Well, the name comes from the fact that it’s made from the root of a sassafras tree.
1. Root beer was originally created to alleviate stomach troubles
Before the invention of modern medicine, people had to rely on natural remedies to alleviate stomach troubles.
One such remedy was root beer, which was originally created to alleviate stomach pain and other digestive issues.
The ingredients in root beer, such as ginger, cinnamon, and sassafras, have been shown to have medicinal properties that can help soothe the stomach and aid in digestion.
In the 1800s, root beer became a popular drink in the United States, as it was seen as a healthier alternative to traditional soda, which was often made with artificial ingredients and preservatives.
Root beer was also considered to be more flavorful and natural, as it was made with real ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, and sassafras.
Although modern medicine has alleviated the need for root beer as a stomach remedy, it has remained a popular drink in the United States.
In fact, it has become a symbol of American tradition and pride, as it is often associated with summer vacations, baseball games, and other American cultural icons.
2. Root beer is fermented
The production of root beer is a fascinating process.
The first step in making root beer is to create a syrup or extract.
This is done by boiling water and adding sugar, then steeping herbs and spices in the mixture.
The most common herbs and spices used in root beer are sassafras, ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Once the syrup has been created, it must be fermented.
This is done by adding yeast and allowing it to ferment for a few days.
The yeast will convert the sugar in the syrup into alcohol.
The alcohol will give the root beer its distinctive flavor and will also help to preserve the beverage.
After the syrup has been fermented, it is ready to be bottled.
The root beer can be bottled using a variety of methods, but the most common is to use a soda siphon.
The siphon will add carbon dioxide to the root beer, which will give it its characteristic fizz.
3. Root beer was developed as a patent medicine
Before it was enjoyed around the world as a sweet and frosty drink, root beer was originally created as a patent medicine.
In the 1800s, pharmacies sold root beer as a cure-all for numerous medical complaints.
The original ingredients in root beer were sassafras, sarsaparilla, and ginger.
They were thought to have medicinal properties.
Times have certainly changed, but the refreshing flavor of root beer has not.
Today, it is enjoyed by people of all ages, and it is often used as a base for other flavors, like vanilla or cherry.
4. Root beer was once used as a weight loss tool
The beverage was first sold in 1876 by Pennsylvania pharmacist Charles E.
Hires.
He wanted to create a soda water that was different than the others on the market, so he developed a formula for a drink he called “root tea.
” He sold it at his pharmacy and it became popular in the community.
Hires eventually changed the name of his product to “root beer,” and he began selling it commercially.
The drink became popular throughout the United States, and it became a part of the American tradition.
It was often served at summertime picnics and barbecues, and it became a staple of many households.
Unfortunately, root beer did have one downside: it was often associated with weight gain.
This was because the drink was typically made with a lot of sugar, and it could be very high in calories.
In fact, some brands of root beer could have as many as 300 calories per serving.
5. Root beer’s recipe is a closely guarded secret
For decades, the recipe for root beer has been a closely guarded secret.
The drink was first developed in the 1800s as a medicinal drink, and while it’s no longer used for medicinal purposes, the ingredients remain a mystery.
Some speculate that the drink contains sassafras, a plant that has been used to treat colds and coughs.
Others guess that it contains ginger, which is known for its stomach-settling properties.
The truth is that no one knows the exact recipe for root beer, as the beverage is a closely guarded trade secret.
While the exact recipe for root beer is a mystery, there are some ingredients that are almost certainly included.
Herbs such as sarsaparilla, sassafras, and juniper are commonly used in root beer, as are spices such as nutmeg, ginger, and cinnamon.
Many root beers also contain caffeine, which provides an extra boost of energy.
The drink is often served over ice, with a splash of lemon or lime juice for extra flavor.
Some brands also add vanilla or other flavorings to their root beer, making it taste like a cross between a cola and a ginger beer.
Final Note
So, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, why not give root beer a try? You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.
If nothing else, it’s a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth without loading up on calories and sugar.
Plus, it has a long and interesting history that makes for fascinating reading.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you purchase an item from Amazon through one of my links, I receive a small commission at no added cost. This helps support the site!
