Postum for Dummies

Postum is a word that refers to a substitute drink made from roasted grains, like wheat, chicory, and molasses. It was created as an alternative to coffee during a time when coffee was in short supply or not readily available. So, if you couldn't get your hands on coffee, you could enjoy a cup of Postum instead! It was quite a popular beverage back in the day, especially in the early 20th century when it first came into existence.

Now, let me break it down for you even further. Postum is like a pretend coffee drink. Imagine you're playing make-believe, and you want to be just like your mom or dad who enjoys sipping their warm cup of coffee in the morning. But since you're not allowed to have coffee yet, or maybe you just don't like the taste, you can turn to Postum. It gives you the feeling of having a cup of coffee without actually being coffee. It's a nice alternative, like how sometimes you play with toy food in your kitchen instead of real food. It's not the same, but it helps satisfy that craving and mimic the experience.

You may be wondering why someone would create a substitute drink like Postum. Well, there can be many reasons. Let's think of it this way: have you ever wanted a specific toy, but it was sold out at the store, or your parents couldn't afford it at the time? Instead of being sad or disappointed, you might find a different toy that may not be exactly what you wanted, but still brings you joy and entertainment. Postum is like that different toy. When coffee was hard to come by or too expensive, people needed something else to enjoy in their morning routine. So, some clever folks came up with Postum to give them a similar experience, even if it wasn't exactly the same.

Now, it's important to note that Postum can have another definition as well. Sometimes, Postum is used to describe something that comes after or later. Let me give you an example: think about when you're playing a game at recess, and it's your turn to go last. Your friend may say, "You're the Postum player!" They mean that you're going after everyone else, and you're the last one to take your turn. So, in this sense, Postum refers to being the final or last in a sequence or order.

So, to sum it all up, Postum is a word that can mean two different things. One is a substitute drink made from roasted grains that was created as an alternative to coffee. It's like a pretend coffee, perfect for those who couldn't have coffee or preferred a different taste. The other meaning is being the last or coming after everyone else in a sequence or order. So, whether you're talking about a tasty substitute beverage or being the last one in line, now you know what Postum means!