The original sarsaparilla, a popular beverage in the past, was made from the root of the Sarsaparilla vine. This vine, scientifically known as Smilax ornata, is native to Central and South America. The root of the vine was harvested and used to create the flavorful and aromatic drink.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to learn about the history and ingredients of various beverages, including sarsaparilla. It is fascinating to explore the origins of different drinks and understand how they have evolved over time.
Sarsaparilla was cherished for its unique flavor profile, which was both sweet and slightly bitter. The root of the Sarsaparilla vine contains various compounds, such as saponins, flavonoids, and essential oils, that contribute to its distinct taste. These compounds also give sarsaparilla its reputed medicinal properties.
In the past, sarsaparilla was commonly used as a base for sodas and tonics. It was believed to have several health benefits, including improving digestion, purifying the blood, and even boosting energy levels. People enjoyed sipping on sarsaparilla as a refreshing and invigorating beverage.
However, it is important to note that the sarsaparilla vine used in the original recipe is different from the sarsaparilla flavoring we encounter today. The sarsaparilla vine was banned by the American Food and Drug Administration for commercial food production in 1960 due to concerns about potential health risks.
The primary reason for the ban was the discovery that the sarsaparilla vine contained a compound called safrole. Safrole has been found to be carcinogenic and can cause liver damage when consumed in large quantities. As a result, the use of sarsaparilla vine in food and beverages was discontinued.
Since then, the flavor of sarsaparilla has been recreated using alternative ingredients that do not pose the same health risks. Most modern sarsaparilla drinks are made using a combination of artificial flavors, natural extracts, and other ingredients to mimic the original taste.
It is worth mentioning that another popular beverage, root beer, was also traditionally made from the roots of the sassafras tree. Similar to sarsaparilla, the use of sassafras in commercial food production was banned due to health concerns. The primary compound responsible for the ban was also safrole, which is present in sassafras roots.
The original sarsaparilla was made from the root of the Sarsaparilla vine, while root beer was made from the roots of the sassafras tree. However, both of these ingredients were banned by the American Food and Drug Administration in the 1960s due to health risks associated with the presence of safrole. Today, sarsaparilla flavoring is recreated using alternative ingredients to provide a similar taste without the potential health hazards.