Well, let me tell you, root beer and medicine have a long history together. Back in the day, root beer was actually used as a form of medicine. Can you believe it? It’s true! The roots and herbs used to make root beer were believed to have medicinal properties and were used to treat various ailments.
You see, traditional root beer was made by boiling roots and herbs like sarsaparilla, birch bark, and wintergreen, among others. These ingredients were known to have health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. In fact, sarsaparilla was believed to purify the blood and improve liver function.
But here’s the thing, the flavor of these roots and herbs is quite distinct and can be described as somewhat medicinal. It’s that unique combination of flavors that gives root beer its characteristic taste. And even though modern root beer recipes use artificial flavoring to mimic the taste of these plants, that medicinal undertone still lingers.
Now, let’s talk about that medicinal taste. It’s often described as having a slightly bitter, earthy, and herbal flavor. Some people love it, while others find it off-putting. Personally, I find it intriguing and nostalgic. It’s like a blast from the past, reminding me of the old-fashioned soda fountains and the days when root beer was more than just a refreshing beverage.
But don’t worry, if you’re not a fan of that medicinal taste, there are plenty of root beer brands out there that have toned down the herbal notes and focused more on the sweet and creamy aspects of the drink. So, you can still enjoy the refreshing goodness of root beer without feeling like you’re sipping on cough syrup.
The reason why root beer tastes like medicine is because it used to be medicine! The roots and herbs used in its traditional recipes were believed to have medicinal properties, and that unique flavor profile has carried over into modern root beer. So, the next time you take a sip of root beer, take a moment to appreciate its historical roots (pun intended) and the legacy it carries from its medicinal past. Cheers to the fascinating world of root beer!