Comments on: Greek Refreshments (Aguas Frescas)

By: Rachel Laudan

Rachel Laudan — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 23:23:39 +0000

Yes, I think sodium bicarbonate became cheap and widely available in the first third of the nineteenth century as a result of newly available cheap salt and associated industries.

By: Mariana Kavroulaki

Mariana Kavroulaki — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:51:25 +0000

Dear Rachel,
In the second half of the 20th century, sales of Greek carbonated drinks increased exponentially, however these drinks were still considered expensive. Baking soda was already cheap and provided a good alternative to the fizzle of fashionable bottled carbonated drinks. Well, it was largely a matter of fashion and money.
Thanks for the post!

By: Bob Mrotek

Bob Mrotek — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:06:55 +0000

Oh, no! Cebadina is back. Now I need to find out why all of a sudden sodium bicarbonate got cheaper. Thanks for this item Rachel. It just goes to show that there is nothing new under the sun.