Root beer is a popular non-alcoholic beverage that has been enjoyed for centuries. As its name suggests, root beer is made from roots, but what is the root that gives it its signature flavor? In this article, we will explore the root from which root beer comes and delve into the history of this beloved beverage.
The Origins of Root Beer
Root beer is a popular beverage that is enjoyed by many people around the world. It is a type of soda that is made from a combination of roots, herbs, and spices. The history of root beer can be traced back to the 18th century when it was first created by Native Americans.
Native American Roots
Native Americans used a variety of roots, herbs, and spices to create medicinal drinks. One of these drinks was called “sassafras tea,” which was made from the root of the sassafras tree. This tea was believed to have healing properties and was used to treat a variety of ailments.
The Birth of Root Beer
The first commercially produced root beer was made by Charles Hires in 1876. Hires was a pharmacist who had been experimenting with different combinations of roots, herbs, and spices to create a refreshing beverage. He eventually settled on a recipe that included sassafras root, wintergreen, vanilla, and other ingredients.
The Roots Used in Root Beer
Root beer gets its name from the root of the sassafras tree, which was originally used to make the beverage. However, sassafras root has been found to contain a compound called safrole, which has been linked to cancer in laboratory animals. As a result, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the use of safrole in food products in 1960.
Sarsaparilla Root
After the ban on safrole, sarsaparilla root became the primary ingredient used in root beer. Sarsaparilla is a tropical plant that is native to Central and South America. Its root has a sweet, slightly bitter taste and is believed to have medicinal properties.
Other Roots, Herbs, and Spices
In addition to sarsaparilla root, other roots, herbs, and spices are used to create the unique flavor of root beer. These include:
- Wintergreen: This herb has a minty flavor and is often used in gum and candy.
- Licorice root: This root has a sweet, slightly spicy flavor and is often used in candy and herbal teas.
- Vanilla: This spice has a sweet, creamy flavor and is often used in desserts and baked goods.
- Anise: This spice has a sweet, licorice-like flavor and is often used in candy and herbal teas.
The Production of Root Beer
Root beer is typically made using a combination of water, sugar, and the roots, herbs, and spices used to create the flavor. The ingredients are boiled together to create a syrup, which is then mixed with carbonated water to create the finished beverage.
Key takeaway: Root beer is a type of soda made from a combination of roots, herbs, and spices that was first created by Native Americans. The original root used was sassafras, but the FDA banned its use due to a cancer-linked compound called safrole. Sarsaparilla root became the primary ingredient afterward. Other roots, herbs, and spices like wintergreen, licorice root, vanilla, and anise are also used in its production. Homemade root beer can also be made with or without alcohol and often contains fewer calories compared to other soft drinks. However, it’s still a sugary beverage and should be consumed in moderation. Sarsaparilla and licorice roots have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments and are believed to have potential health benefits, but more research is needed to fully understand them.
Homemade Root Beer
Many people enjoy making their own root beer at home. There are a variety of recipes available online and in cookbooks that use different combinations of roots, herbs, and spices. Homemade root beer can be made with or without alcohol and can be customized to suit individual tastes.
The Health Benefits of Root Beer
Root beer is often marketed as a “healthier” alternative to other soft drinks because it is caffeine-free and typically contains less sugar and fewer calories. However, it is important to note that root beer is still a sugary beverage and should be consumed in moderation.
Sarsaparilla Root Benefits
Sarsaparilla root, one of the main ingredients in root beer, has been used for centuries as a traditional medicine. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-viral properties. However, more research is needed to fully understand its potential health benefits.
Licorice Root Benefits
Licorice root, another ingredient in root beer, has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. However, it can also have negative side effects and should be used with caution.
FAQs: What root does root beer come from?
What is root beer?
Root beer is a carbonated soft drink that has a distinct flavor of roots, barks, and herbs. It is usually sweetened with sugar or high fructose corn syrup. The primary ingredient of root beer is sassafras root, which gives it a unique taste.
What is sassafras root?
Sassafras is a tree native to North America. The root bark of the sassafras tree has a spicy aroma and was used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. In the 19th century, it was used to make root beer, but it was later found to contain a carcinogenic compound called safrole. As a result, the US Food and Drug Administration banned the use of safrole in food products, and sassafras root was replaced with other flavors.
What other roots are used in root beer?
Apart from sassafras root, many other roots and herbs are used to flavor root beer. Some of the common ingredients include licorice root, birch bark, wintergreen, ginger root, and sarsaparilla root. These ingredients are boiled in water to extract their flavor, and the resulting liquid is combined with sweeteners and carbonated water to create root beer.
Is root beer alcoholic?
Root beer was traditionally brewed as a mildly alcoholic beverage, but modern root beer is non-alcoholic. Most commercial root beers contain less than 0.5% alcohol by volume, which is considered non-alcoholic under US law. However, some artisanal root beers may contain higher levels of alcohol due to the fermentation process.
Is root beer healthy?
Root beer contains a high amount of sugar, which can contribute to obesity and other health problems if consumed in large amounts. However, many brands now offer sugar-free or low-sugar options. Additionally, root beer contains antioxidants from the herbs and roots used to flavor it, which may have health benefits. Overall, root beer should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.