Sassafras
Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2014 2:53 pm
I want to make authentic creole gumbo, but can't find any sassafras. Does somebody know of a good substitute for this Louisiana staple?
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Jenise wrote:Frank, you're right so far as I know re the origins of "root" in root beer.
And good plug for Penzey's--best herb and spice source ever. However, Joe's in Canada and may not be able to get such things shipped to him direct.
Hoke wrote:Originally, yes, sassafras was the key ingredient in most root beers. You can use the roots and also the ground up bark of the tree to make sassafras tea.
Root beer was called root beer because it usually had small amounts of alcohol---so it was like what used to be called "small beer" in the old days, a a regular daily drink, even for kids. But when it became a modern carbonated beverage they started using artificial sassafras flavoring, so it's not the same.
Jeff Grossman/NYC wrote:Hoke wrote:Originally, yes, sassafras was the key ingredient in most root beers. You can use the roots and also the ground up bark of the tree to make sassafras tea.
Root beer was called root beer because it usually had small amounts of alcohol---so it was like what used to be called "small beer" in the old days, a a regular daily drink, even for kids. But when it became a modern carbonated beverage they started using artificial sassafras flavoring, so it's not the same.
Does birch beer have real or artificial birch in it?
Joe T wrote:Jo Ann, thanks for the clarification. I guess its a little harder to find in Canada. I'll be sure to pick some up my next trip down south.
Hoke wrote:Jeff Grossman/NYC wrote:Does birch beer have real or artificial birch in it?
Believe it or not, I asked this. Of a micro-brewer up in the Pacific Northwest, many years ago.
The answer is essentially yes, "real". In that it's made from the oil extract of birch bark. And "other herbal extracts", so the formula varies.
Hoke wrote:Root beer was called root beer because it usually had small amounts of alcohol---so it was like what used to be called "small beer" in the old days, a a regular daily drink, even for kids. But when it became a modern carbonated beverage they started using artificial sassafras flavoring, so it's not the same.
Jenise wrote:Paul, that's interesting. Probably explains why Thomas Kemper, known nationwide for his artisan root beer, also has a beer brewery. (Here in my town, matter of fact.)