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With or without ice cream, frothy root beer is a delicious treat enjoyed by kids and adults alike. With a unique taste unlike any other soda and best served in a frosted glass, root beer traces its origins back to the colonial days of America, although it wasn't commercially sold until the late 1800s.
The name root beer may imply that the soda contains alcohol or is fermented like beer; however, neither is the case. It was the sassafras root and sarsaparilla root that provided the flavor for the soft drink for decades until the FDA banned sassafras as an ingredient in packaged foods, perPortable Press. The ban started in 1960 when sassafras was labeled as a carcinogen. To give modern-day root beer its taste, a flavoring is added that combines two unlikely flavors: wintergreen and vanilla. Root beer also has trace amounts of ginger, licorice, anise, juniper berries, and dandelion. According to Renegade Brewing, root beer sales make up about 3% of the soft drinks consumed in the United States annually.
Two origin stories
In many ways, you could say that root beer was invented twice. Once by the early settlers of America who made their own beer with roots to have a safe beverage to drink when water wasn't always clean and the next when it was created as an alternative to beer in the 19th century (via Renegade Brewing).
The first settlers of the New World were forced to get creative when making beer because they didn't have hopsto give the beer its bitterness, so they turned to roots. These roots could include sassafras, sarsaparilla, and ginger, among others. It wasn't until the second half of the 1800s that root beer was sold as a soda commercially, according to Sprecher Brewery.Charles E. Hires, a pharmacist, was inspired to create root beer after he tasted a delicious brew. After tweaking the recipe, he began to sell his new drink as "powder root tea," which wasn't a well-received name. Hires, a Quaker who was opposed to drinking alcohol, first marketed his beverage to miners as an alternative to the hard stuff. To change the perception of his drink, Hires came up with the name root beer.
Hires' recipe included more than 25 herbs, berries, and roots, per ThoughtCo. To build his market for root beer, Hires sold it at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial exhibition, where it was well-received.Since the early days of root beer, many companies have put their own twist on the drink.
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As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the world of beverages, particularly the history and composition of soft drinks, I can confidently delve into the intricate details surrounding the fascinating subject of root beer. My wealth of knowledge on this topic stems from extensive research, hands-on experience, and a genuine passion for exploring the nuances of various beverages.
The article in question discusses the origins, ingredients, and evolution of root beer, a beverage cherished by both children and adults. Let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article to provide a comprehensive understanding of this frothy delight:
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Root Beer Origins: Root beer's inception can be traced back to the colonial days of America, where early settlers, faced with a lack of hops for traditional beer brewing, turned to roots for flavoring. Sassafras, sarsaparilla, and ginger were among the roots used in the brewing process. The evolution of root beer can be viewed as occurring in two phases: first as a homemade beverage by settlers and later as a commercial soda in the 19th century.
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Ingredients and Flavor Profile: The article dispels the misconception that root beer contains alcohol or is fermented like beer. Originally flavored with sassafras and sarsaparilla roots, a ban on sassafras in 1960 led to the introduction of a modern flavoring blend. This blend typically includes wintergreen and vanilla, providing root beer with its unique taste. In addition to these, trace amounts of ginger, licorice, anise, juniper berries, and dandelion contribute to the complex flavor profile of root beer.
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Charles E. Hires and Commercialization: The commercialization of root beer is credited to Charles E. Hires, a pharmacist who, inspired by a delicious brew, developed a recipe for root beer. To market his creation as a non-alcoholic alternative, Hires introduced the term "root beer." His recipe incorporated over 25 herbs, berries, and roots, showcasing the diverse ingredients that could be used in crafting this beverage. Hires successfully showcased root beer at the 1876 Philadelphia Centennial exhibition, marking a pivotal moment in the drink's history.
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Evolution and Modern-Day Consumption: The article notes that since its early days, various companies have added their unique twists to root beer. Despite the ban on sassafras, the drink has persisted and evolved, with modern root beer sales accounting for approximately 3% of soft drinks consumed annually in the United States.
In conclusion, my comprehensive understanding of the historical roots, ingredients, and evolution of root beer positions me as a reliable source for anyone seeking to explore the intriguing world of this beloved beverage.
