#4 How about some French lemonade?

Les limonades

Bonne dégustation !

Would you like some lemonade?

Lemonade is a classic European summer drink.

Depending on the region, it may be carbonated, white, or pink.

I've heard of it, but I've never really tried it!

I think many people think this way.

1. The Birth of Lemonade

Do you know where lemonade originated?

Lemons are native to India.

So it started in India!

You might think so, right?

Surprisingly, a big mistake!

In fact, Egypt is its birthplace!

The first person to make lemonade was a man named Nasir-i-Khusraw .

He was a Persian who lived in Egypt around the 11th century, and in his autobiography he contains a description of what appears to be lemonade.

Later, in the 12th century, lemonade was made commercially and was widely sold throughout the Middle East.

At that time, lemonade was made from lemon juice, water, and sugar and was called "qatarmizat."

Egyptian lemonade

Hey lemonade?
No, my throat is getting dry.

Do you know when it started selling in Japan?

That's a difficult question to ask.
But... somehow it's like the 19th century?

That's correct!
It is said that lemonade was introduced to Japan when Perry arrived in Urawa in 1853.

▲This is Japan around the 19th century.

I want to see what it was like back then.
It's a fresh and powerful scene!

By the way, you know Ramune, right?

Of course!

American lemonade is carbonated and clear.
So it seems that Ramune was born when Japanese people misheard the name, not realizing that lemons were used.

Huh.
Now that you mention it, they do look similar.
The inside seems to be completely different though...

By the way, have you ever been surprised by the "pop!" sound that comes from opening a cap?

Wait, are you making fun of me?

No, no, sorry.
In fact, there is an anecdote that an official mistook the "pop" sound for a gunshot and reached for his sword.

What?
I see, interesting!

I don't mean to make fun of you or anything...

here we go!
Would you like a glass of lemonade?

2. Have a glass of lemonade!

▲Procope cafe

Lemonade is the oldest commercial soft drink.

In 1676, a trade association called La Compagnie des Limonadiers was formed in Paris and obtained the monopoly on the sale of lemonade.

Vendors made lemonade, transported it in tanks, and poured it into cups for sale.

One theory is…

The lemonade sold like hotcakes, and vinegar stores and grocery stores were mad, saying, "The lemonade sellers are so unfair!
We want to sell it too!" and gave permission on the condition that they make a collaborative lemonade .

Collaboration Lemonade:

The ingredients are water, sugar, herbs, lemon slices, vinegar, rice, and dried fruit.

The recipe is simple: put all the ingredients in a jar and let it steep for three days.

Once it has fermented and bubbles appear, filter it, cool it and it's done!

Note: If the mixture ferments too much, alcohol will be produced and it will spoil, so it's OK if the surface becomes slightly cloudy.

・Trivia・

The standard drink in 17th century Parisian cafes was not coffee, but rather refreshing lemonade.

At that time, coffee was a valuable commodity.
Apparently it was quite rare.
It seems there are many ways to enjoy it, such as drinking it cold or warm.

Give it a try!

It's ready! Please try it.

oh!
I've been waiting for this.

This time I made it using water, sugar, lemon, rosemary, raisins and brown rice.

well,
Would you like to eat it?
Mmm, what a refreshing taste!

That's good.

It's delicious.
But it also has an Italian image, doesn't it?

I agree.
Indeed, he was the Italian owner of a cafe called "PROCOPE," who was appointed official lemonade maker by Louis XIV in 1686.

Huh.
After all, Italy was involved.

It is said that there were over 300 lemonade cafes in Paris at this time.

Over 300!

Did you know that lemonade is a source of energy?

3. Miracle Drink

▲The inside of an 18th century ship.
I understand that you are giving him something to drink to treat him.
I was surprised to find out that this was lemonade!

In the 18th century, lemonade became a staple for sailors to maintain their health.
To make it easier to store, he would always keep powdered lemonade on hand and drink it by dissolving one spoonful in a glass of water.

They were unable to consume many vegetables and often suffered from a lack of vitamin C, which weakened their bodies and led to illness and death.

To combat this, I started keeping lemonade on hand.

Lemonade is rich in vitamin C and citric acid, making it perfect for recovering from fatigue.

Sailor's Lemonade

Combine sugar and powdered lemon peel to make powdered lemonade!

Dissolve in water in a 10:1 ratio and enjoy.

(Add salt to make lemonade to prevent heatstroke.)

Lemonade also plays a role in this.

Right?
It also appears in the summer in Japan...

what do you want?

You know, sour fruits, salty, sweet...

Is it lemon?

It's not like that!
It looks like a plum... Ah, it's the symbol of Okamoto.
I think so...

Maybe you mean plums?

Ah! That's right!
That's it.
Rearrange it...
What I wanted to say earlier is that lemonade feels like Japanese plum juice.

I see.

There are many different types of lemonade from all over the world.
You can add rose water, salt, spices, or even wine - it's completely up to you!

·bonus·

France's "British Lemonade"

Apparently, a type of lemonade called "British lemonade" was popular in 18th century France.

Recipe

It is made by adding wine, sugar, lemon juice and spices such as cinnamon.

Hmm? Huh?
Please wait a moment.
That's sangria...
Isn't it!

Do you really think so?
Actually, that's how I felt...
That's true, but British Lemonade is still lemonade!

yes.
Maybe I'll try making one...