Has anyone here tried birch syrup?
Did you like it?

It's usually compared to maple syrup.
I'm not a big fan of maple syrup.
What are the main differences in flavor
between birch and maple syrups?

This page compares it to sorghum syrup.
I've had that, and I didn't much like it.

http://www.alaskabirchsyrup.com/abbisy.html

Mark Thorson wrote:
> Has anyone here tried birch syrup? Did you like it?
>
> It's usually compared to maple syrup. I'm not a big fan of maple syrup.
> What are the main differences in flavor between birch and maple syrups?
>
> This page compares it to sorghum syrup. I've had that, and I didn't much
> like it.
>
> http://www.alaskabirchsyrup.com/abbisy.html


Birch bark and twigs contain methyl salicylate, so the syrup might taste
like wintergreen.

Box elder is also supposed to make a pretty good syrup.

Bob

In article >,
Mark Thorson > wrote:

> Has anyone here tried birch syrup?
> Did you like it?
>
> It's usually compared to maple syrup.
> I'm not a big fan of maple syrup.
> What are the main differences in flavor
> between birch and maple syrups?

When I was growing up in South Florida, there was a local chain of
fast-food restaurants (Royal Castle) that offered birch beer. This was
a soft drink, similar to root beer but a bit spicier. I liked it.
Don't know if the flavor is derived from (or related to) birch syrup.

--
Julian Vrieslander

Julian wrote:

> When I was growing up in South Florida, there was a local chain of
> fast-food restaurants (Royal Castle) that offered birch beer. This was
> a soft drink, similar to root beer but a bit spicier. I liked it.
> Don't know if the flavor is derived from (or related to) birch syrup.

Birch beer is still available. I drink it every now and then:

http://www.bevmo.com/productlist.asp...h+bee r&Nty=1

Bob

Bob Terwilliger wrote:
> Julian wrote:
>
>> When I was growing up in South Florida, there was a local chain of
>> fast-food restaurants (Royal Castle) that offered birch beer. This was
>> a soft drink, similar to root beer but a bit spicier. I liked it.
>> Don't know if the flavor is derived from (or related to) birch syrup.
>
> Birch beer is still available. I drink it every now and then:
>
> http://www.bevmo.com/productlist.asp...h+bee r&Nty=1
>
> Bob
>
>


Boylan's Birch beer is the best! The original is fabulous (if you like
the taste of wintergreen) and you must try the red. It's wonderful
poured over ice cream, too. My first taste of birch beer was visiting
upstate New York in the 80's. Brought home a suitcase of it on the
train. Used it up slowly.Ran out and found a distributor for Boylans in
our state and got cases delivered to us. Then we moved to New York years
later and they don't have it around much anymore. Strangely, there is
one Mennonite store here that stocks some Frozen Run which isn't too
bad. Can't find a distributor yet. Hopefully soon.

Here's a great site that rates just about every Root Beer and Birch in
the country. Found out about Boylan's from here many years ago.
http://www.rootbeerbarrel.com/

Now I feel like tracking some down and having a drink. Thanks for the
reminder!

Melondy

Melondy wrote:

> Boylan's Birch beer is the best! The original is fabulous (if you like the
> taste of wintergreen) and you must try the red. It's wonderful poured over
> ice cream, too. My first taste of birch beer was visiting upstate New
> York in the 80's. Brought home a suitcase of it on the train. Used it up
> slowly.Ran out and found a distributor for Boylans in our state and got
> cases delivered to us. Then we moved to New York years later and they
> don't have it around much anymore. Strangely, there is one Mennonite store
> here that stocks some Frozen Run which isn't too bad. Can't find a
> distributor yet. Hopefully soon.
>
> Here's a great site that rates just about every Root Beer and Birch in the
> country. Found out about Boylan's from here many years ago.
> http://www.rootbeerbarrel.com/
>
> Now I feel like tracking some down and having a drink. Thanks for the
> reminder!


I can get birch beer readily. What irks me is that California decreed that
all Nehi sodas must be labeled as carcinogenic, so Nehi stopped distributing
here. I tell you, the first sip of an ice-cold Nehi peach soda is uncannily
like biting into a perfect fresh peach. And I CAN'T HAVE IT ANY MORE!

*mumble-mumble...kill the politicians...grumble...*

Disgruntled Bob

"Steve Wertz" > wrote in message
...
> On 28 Jan 2007 06:23:02 -0600, Bob Terwilliger wrote:
>
>> I can get birch beer readily. What irks me is that California decreed
>> that
>> all Nehi sodas must be labeled as carcinogenic, so Nehi stopped
>> distributing
>> here. I tell you, the first sip of an ice-cold Nehi peach soda is
>> uncannily
>> like biting into a perfect fresh peach. And I CAN'T HAVE IT ANY MORE!
>
> They're available in cans and plastic bottles.
> http://www.scottsiconiumstore.com/nehi.htm
>
>> *mumble-mumble...kill the politicians...grumble...*
>
> Nehi could just change their bottle. The same as Snapple and
> other drink manufacturers did for Texas and other states that
> don't allow glass bottles in public.
>
> -sw

But he said it must be labeled as carcinogenic Is glass carcinogenic?

Steve wrote about peach Nehi:

> They're available in cans and plastic bottles.
> http://www.scottsiconiumstore.com/nehi.htm
>
>> *mumble-mumble...kill the politicians...grumble...*
>
> Nehi could just change their bottle. The same as Snapple and
> other drink manufacturers did for Texas and other states that
> don't allow glass bottles in public.

The bottle is fine; California has no problem with glass bottles. (Imagine
the outcry from wineries if *that* happened!) But Nehi uses some form of
sweetener or dye that is on the LONG California list of potential
carcinogens. So California requires some kind of disclosure label similar to
the Surgeon General's warning on packs of cigarettes. Nehi apparently
decided that it would be too much trouble to comply, so they simply pulled
their wares out of California.

Bob

In article >,
zxcvbob > wrote:

>
> Box elder is also supposed to make a pretty good syrup.

I've had it. Indistinguishable from maple syrup at least
to me. A local forestry guy made it from some trees in his
yard. It was good....

Mike Beede

Julian Vrieslander wrote:
>
> When I was growing up in South Florida, there was a local chain of
> fast-food restaurants (Royal Castle) that offered birch beer. This was
> a soft drink, similar to root beer but a bit spicier. I liked it.
> Don't know if the flavor is derived from (or related to) birch syrup.
>



It's not at all uncommon in New England. My late mother-in-law said
that her family used to make it along with homemade root beer. Her
father used to call it "birch squeezings" so I assume it was made from
birch twigs or sap. (This is the same Grandpa who, in his retirement,
moved to Florida and made wonderful grapefruit wine.)

Last time we were in N.E. birch beer was still available and the major
supermarkets had it bottled under their own label. Interestingly in
some stores it was clear, others gingerale colored, and some red.

gloria p

Bob Terwilliger wrote:

>
> What irks me is that California decreed that
> all Nehi sodas must be labeled as carcinogenic,



Why?

gloria p

Bob Terwilliger wrote:
> Steve wrote about peach Nehi:
>
>> They're available in cans and plastic bottles.
>> http://www.scottsiconiumstore.com/nehi.htm
>>
>>> *mumble-mumble...kill the politicians...grumble...*
>>
>> Nehi could just change their bottle. The same as Snapple and other
>> drink manufacturers did for Texas and other states that don't allow
>> glass bottles in public.
>
> The bottle is fine; California has no problem with glass bottles.
> (Imagine the outcry from wineries if *that* happened!) But Nehi uses
> some form of sweetener or dye that is on the LONG California list of
> potential carcinogens. So California requires some kind of disclosure
> label similar to the Surgeon General's warning on packs of cigarettes.
> Nehi apparently decided that it would be too much trouble to comply,
> so they simply pulled their wares out of California.

I think everything is on the California list. Even my apartment
building is posted with "...known to be carcinogens" signs.


--
Blinky RLU 297263
Killing all posts from Google Groups
The Usenet Improvement Project: http://blinkynet.net/comp/uip5.html

Bob Terwilliger wrote:
> Steve wrote about peach Nehi:
>
>> They're available in cans and plastic bottles.
>> http://www.scottsiconiumstore.com/nehi.htm
>>
>>> *mumble-mumble...kill the politicians...grumble...*
>> Nehi could just change their bottle. The same as Snapple and
>> other drink manufacturers did for Texas and other states that
>> don't allow glass bottles in public.
>
> The bottle is fine; California has no problem with glass bottles. (Imagine
> the outcry from wineries if *that* happened!) But Nehi uses some form of
> sweetener or dye that is on the LONG California list of potential
> carcinogens. So California requires some kind of disclosure label similar to
> the Surgeon General's warning on packs of cigarettes. Nehi apparently
> decided that it would be too much trouble to comply, so they simply pulled
> their wares out of California.
>
> Bob
>
>
I thought the problem was the ink on the outside of the bottle, that it
was found to have something harmful to the reproductive systems. The
fear was that the bottles would end up in the landfills and the toxins
would filter into the watershed and pollute the drinking water for
California. It was in violation of Prop. 65 the Clean Water Act.

Melondy

Melondy Hill wrote:
> Bob Terwilliger wrote:
>> Steve wrote about peach Nehi:
>>
>>> They're available in cans and plastic bottles.
>>> http://www.scottsiconiumstore.com/nehi.htm
>>>
>>>> *mumble-mumble...kill the politicians...grumble...*
>>> Nehi could just change their bottle. The same as Snapple and
>>> other drink manufacturers did for Texas and other states that
>>> don't allow glass bottles in public.
>>
>> The bottle is fine; California has no problem with glass bottles.
>> (Imagine the outcry from wineries if *that* happened!) But Nehi uses
>> some form of sweetener or dye that is on the LONG California list of
>> potential carcinogens. So California requires some kind of disclosure
>> label similar to the Surgeon General's warning on packs of cigarettes.
>> Nehi apparently decided that it would be too much trouble to comply,
>> so they simply pulled their wares out of California.
>>
>> Bob
>>
> I thought the problem was the ink on the outside of the bottle, that it
> was found to have something harmful to the reproductive systems. The
> fear was that the bottles would end up in the landfills and the toxins
> would filter into the watershed and pollute the drinking water for
> California. It was in violation of Prop. 65 the Clean Water Act.
>
> Melondy


Sodium benzoate (a preservative often used in soft drinks) can react with
vitamin C in the beverage (and maybe other acids) to form traces of benzene
— benzene causes cancer in California.

Best regards,
Bob

Blinky the Shark wrote:
> Bob Terwilliger wrote:
> > But Nehi uses
> some form of sweetener or dye that is on the LONG California list of
>> potential carcinogens. So California requires some kind of disclosure
>> label similar to the Surgeon General's warning on packs of cigarettes.


>
> I think everything is on the California list. Even my apartment
> building is posted with "...known to be carcinogens" signs.
>
>

I think what that really means is "We have no clue if this is dangerous
or not, but if you get cancer, you've been warned, so don't try to sue
the state for negligence."

:-(

gloria p

zxcvbob wrote:

> Sodium benzoate (a preservative often used in soft drinks) can react
> with vitamin C in the beverage (and maybe other acids) to form traces of
> benzene — benzene causes cancer in California.
>
> Best regards,
> Bob


That sure makes me glad I don't live in California!

gloria p

Julian Vrieslander wrote:

> When I was growing up in South Florida, there was a local chain of
> fast-food restaurants (Royal Castle) that offered birch beer. This was
> a soft drink, similar to root beer but a bit spicier. I liked it.
> Don't know if the flavor is derived from (or related to) birch syrup.


Royal Castle! My dad would take us to the one on Dixie Highway and 27th
Avenue when Mom was out of town for a weekend conference. I can picture
it perfectly-- the stools at the counter, the orange decor, the griddle
to the left, the heavy handled glasses for birch beer. I loved that
stuff. It was a treat.


To my memory, birch beer and root beer were the same thing. Now I'm
learning about birch syrup (which I may spend the money to try) and
wondering which root the root beer was supposed to be from.


All this time, I assumed that Royal Castles were everywhere. I didn't
know it was a local chain.


--Lia

On Sun, 28 Jan 2007 18:18:28 -0500, in rec.food.cooking, Julia Altshuler
wrote:

>Julian Vrieslander wrote:
>
>> When I was growing up in South Florida, there was a local chain of
>> fast-food restaurants (Royal Castle) that offered birch beer. This was
>> a soft drink, similar to root beer but a bit spicier. I liked it.
>> Don't know if the flavor is derived from (or related to) birch syrup.
>
>
>Royal Castle! My dad would take us to the one on Dixie Highway and 27th
>Avenue when Mom was out of town for a weekend conference. I can picture
>it perfectly-- the stools at the counter, the orange decor, the griddle
>to the left, the heavy handled glasses for birch beer. I loved that
>stuff. It was a treat.

I'd forgotten Royal Castle. Thanks for the reminder. I wonder if we ever
went to that one. That's not far from the Miami and Coral Reef Yacht Clubs
I think.

>To my memory, birch beer and root beer were the same thing. Now I'm
>learning about birch syrup (which I may spend the money to try) and
>wondering which root the root beer was supposed to be from.
>
>
>All this time, I assumed that Royal Castles were everywhere. I didn't
>know it was a local chain.
>
>
>--Lia
--
Doug Weller --
A Director and Moderator of The Hall of Ma'at http://www.hallofmaat.com
Doug's Archaeology Site: http://www.ramtops.co.uk
Amun - co-owner/co-moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amun/

Doug Weller wrote:

> I'd forgotten Royal Castle. Thanks for the reminder. I wonder if we ever
> went to that one. That's not far from the Miami and Coral Reef Yacht Clubs
> I think.


I just pulled up google maps. That Royal Castle would have to be the
closest to the yacht clubs. If there were any closer, Dad would have
taken my brother and me there instead. My clearest memory of the Royal
Castle was that it was the restaurant where my father taught me to talk
directly to the counter help and place my own order rather than his
doing it for me. That puts me around age 6-9. (I was born in 1958.) I
was a picky kid who wanted my hamburger with only the bun and the
burger, no ketchup, mustard, or anything else. So that was where I
learned to order the burger "plain." If I forgot, the burger came with
diced onions on it.


--Lia

On Mon, 29 Jan 2007 15:19:13 -0500, in rec.food.cooking, Julia Altshuler
wrote:

>Doug Weller wrote:
>
>> I'd forgotten Royal Castle. Thanks for the reminder. I wonder if we ever
>> went to that one. That's not far from the Miami and Coral Reef Yacht Clubs
>> I think.
>
>
>I just pulled up google maps. That Royal Castle would have to be the
>closest to the yacht clubs. If there were any closer, Dad would have
>taken my brother and me there instead. My clearest memory of the Royal
>Castle was that it was the restaurant where my father taught me to talk
>directly to the counter help and place my own order rather than his
>doing it for me. That puts me around age 6-9. (I was born in 1958.) I
>was a picky kid who wanted my hamburger with only the bun and the
>burger, no ketchup, mustard, or anything else. So that was where I
>learned to order the burger "plain." If I forgot, the burger came with
>diced onions on it.
>

Ah, you're a youngster. I was born in 42. I was like you but worse,
didn't eat the bun! Now I want a good bun, ketchup, mustard, onions,
relish.

Doug
--
Doug Weller --
A Director and Moderator of The Hall of Ma'at http://www.hallofmaat.com
Doug's Archaeology Site: http://www.ramtops.co.uk
Amun - co-owner/co-moderator http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Amun/