We’re going explore the name of this soft drink. What are the roots of root ale?
The Origins of Root in Root Beer
Root beer’s distinctive taste is primarily due to Sassafras. This is the “root bark of the Sassafras Albidum Tree.”
Sassafras belongs to the laurel tree family and is native to America. The indigenous Americans widely used it before the arrival of Europeans for everything from treating fevers to flavoring bear fat. Yum?
When did root beers become popular?
Hires Root Beer was the first root beer to be mass-marketed. Charles Elmer Hires, a Philadelphia pharmacist, 1876 founded it. Hires originally wanted to call his beverage tea but changed it to root Beer in order to market the drink to Pennsylvania coal miners.
The FDA has banned the aromatic component Safrole due to its potential for health problems.
What are the ingredients in root beer today?
Some of the other ingredients commonly found in root beer include but are not limited to allspice (or sarsaparilla), licorice (or burdock), fenugreek (or nutmeg), and St. John’s Wort. Many more ingredients are available, but it’s all up to each root beer maker.
What is the deal with 7Up?
Charles Leiper Grigg, a St. Louis resident, invented the formula for 7 Up in 1929. He gave it the first (unmarketable name): “Bib Label Lithiated Lime-Lemon Soda.” It rolls right off the mouth.
The original formula included the chemical compound mania and Lithium citrate. It was originally marketed as a remedy for hangovers and is still used to treat upset stomachs.
Grigg was famous for never explaining the meaning of the name “7 Up,” which led to many urban legends. According to one myth, 7 Up got its name due to the fact that it didn’t have a pH above seven. This is not true. One legend claims that there are only seven ingredients, another that the original bottle is seven ounces, or that 7 is a coded reference to lithium.
Grigg, an expert marketer, kept his cards hidden, knowing that Americans enjoy a good mystery.