Brief Summary
This video explores the history of lemonade and recreates a 17th-century French recipe from "Le Cuisinier Francois." It covers the origins of lemonade, its popularity in France and the US, and some interesting variations like pink lemonade and egg lemonade.
- The recipe includes water, sugar, lemons, and oranges.
- Lemonade has historical significance, including its potential role in staving off plague outbreaks in Paris.
- Pink lemonade's origins are tied to circus lore, though the stories are likely apocryphal.
Introduction
The video introduces the topic of lemonade in honor of National Lemonade Day on August 20th. It mentions a 17th-century French recipe for lemonade from La Varenne's "Le Cuisinier Francois" (1651). The host discusses how lemonade recipes can reflect personal taste preferences regarding sweetness and tartness.
17th Century Lemonade Recipe
The host prepares La Varenne's lemonade recipe, adjusting the measurements to modern standards. The recipe includes one liter of water, 200 grams of sugar, the juice of six lemons and two oranges, and the zest of half a lemon and half an orange. The ingredients are mixed, poured back and forth between vessels, and strained through a white napkin.
History of Lemonade
The history of lemonade dates back to Egypt around the year 1000, where a lemon drink sweetened with dates was made. They even had a powdered lemonade for travelers called sukkar wa-laymun musafirin. Lemonade in its current form likely started in France around the time the recipe comes from, becoming popular in Paris. In 1676, lemonade sellers formed the Compagnie de Limoadiers. Lemon peels on the streets of Paris may have helped stave off a plague outbreak due to compounds that kill flea larvae. Lemonade was also used as a remedy for the sick.
Lemonade in the US and Variations
Lemonade became popular in the US, supported by the Women's Christian Temperance Union. Lucy Hayes, wife of President Rutherford B. Hayes, was known as "Lemonade Lucy" for her temperance stance. Egg lemonade, made with foamed egg whites, was a fizzy variation. Fizzy lemonade was also popular in England, with brands like R-Whites.
The Mystery of Pink Lemonade
Pink lemonade is simply lemonade dyed pink, with no additional flavors. Two possible origin stories involve circus performers: one about cinnamon candies being dropped into lemonade, and another, more unsavory tale, about using water from pink tights.
Tasting and Conclusion
The host tastes the 17th-century lemonade, noting its tartness and sweetness, and the subtle orange flavor. He concludes that the recipe is easy to make and suggests adding oranges to future lemonade batches.
