How is commercial root beer carbonated?
Yeast-carbonated root beer contains a small amount of alcohol. ... which contain the same sort of artificial colors and flavors as commercial root beers.
Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "Root beer carbonation" to get these possible sources:
http://www.leeners.com/rootbeer.html
(Broken Link Removed)
Adding "commercial" to the key words gave me these sources:
http://hbd.org/brewery/library/RootB.html
http://www.jagaimo.com/bistro/rootbeerfaq.html
http://teachers.net/lessons/posts/1229.html
I hope this helps a little more. Thanks for asking.
Commercial root beer is carbonated through a process called force carbonation. This is the same method used to carbonate other sodas and sparkling drinks. Force carbonation involves introducing carbon dioxide (CO2) into the liquid under pressure, causing it to dissolve and create the desired fizzy sensation.
To achieve carbonation in commercial root beer, the following steps are typically followed:
1. Preparation of Root Beer Base: The base mixture for root beer is prepared by combining water, sugar, flavorings (such as vanilla, sassafras, or wintergreen), and sometimes extracts or oils derived from roots, herbs, or spices. This mixture is usually heated and simmered to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Cooling the Mixture: The root beer base is cooled down to room temperature or refrigerated, depending on the manufacturer's process. This ensures that the mixture is ready and at the optimal temperature for carbonation.
3. Carbonation: Once the root beer base is prepared and cooled, it is transferred to a carbonation tank or vessel. Carbon dioxide gas is forced into the liquid at a high pressure, typically through the use of specialized carbonation equipment.
4. Dissolving Carbon Dioxide: The pressurized carbon dioxide gas dissolves into the root beer base, creating carbonation. The high pressure causes the carbon dioxide to dissolve more easily in the liquid, combining with water molecules to form carbonic acid, which gives the root beer its characteristic bubbles and fizz.
5. Storage and Distribution: After carbonation, the root beer is usually stored in airtight containers, such as bottles or cans, to maintain its carbonation levels. It is then distributed to stores and consumers ready to be enjoyed.
So, commercial root beer is carbonated through the process of force carbonation, where carbon dioxide gas is dissolved under pressure into the root beer base, giving it its carbonated and fizzy qualities.