Summertime Flavor: Sassafras

Root beer has always been one of those quintessential hot-weather pleasures for us. So much so that we equate the taste to summertime. It's the sassafras root that gives root beer that characteristic zing. Here are some other treats that use the root for that same great summertime taste:

Sassafras Syrup from Hunter Angler Gardner Cook (use this to add the flavor to soda water, ice cream, shaved ice)

Sassafras Tea from Food.com

Sassafras Jelly from Delishia

Sassafras Candy from The Recipe Circus

Once you've gone to the trouble to obtain some sassafras root (find it online at herb shops or forage for it in the wild) you can make plentiful use of it! It can be frozen and reused to add its flavor to all of the above and then some!

Have you had sassafras root in anything besides root beer? Please do share in the comments below!

(Image: Going Local)

Comments (5)

is gumbo a summertime dish?

I bought some sassafras last summer at the local green market. I came home and put it in the fridge and forgot to use it. Now I'll have to brew some sassafras tea.

My grandparents from SW Missouri used to make sassafras tea all the time.

I use sassafras wood for smoking pork and chicken,almost as good as cherry.

Grandma Southerland used to keep a pot of simmering sassafras tea on the stove, adding water and re-using it all throughout the day. It is a known blood thinner, however, and should be avoided by those on blood thinners or those facing surgery. However, it is a real winner for relieving monthly lady "issues" for the same reason. Beware, however, it's been banned by the FDA.