Alehoof

/ˈeɪl.huːf/ noun

Definition

An aromatic climbing plant (ground ivy) historically used as a flavoring and clarifying agent in ale before hops became common.

Etymology

From Old English 'ale' + 'hoof' (perhaps from a word meaning 'to hop' or leap), named for its use in ale-making before modern brewing methods.

Kelly Says

Alehoof was the original secret ingredient in ale for over a thousand years—brewers kept recipes with it so guarded that its loss after the hop revolution is like losing an ancient culinary treasure!

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