What action did local authorities take regarding the sale of gruit?

The action taken by local authorities regarding the sale of gruit can be understood in the context of historical brewing practices. Gruit, a blend of herbs, spices, and other bittering agents, was commonly used prior to the adoption of hops as the primary flavoring agent in beer. As brewing evolved, local governments recognized the economic potential of hops and began to encourage their use over traditional gruit.

The choice that indicates gruit was "heavily tax-ordered" likely reflects the fact that as the market shifted and the popularity of hops grew, authorities sought to regulate the brewing industry, including the taxation of ingredients like gruit. This taxation was a means of controlling the brewing process and revenue generation from the burgeoning market for hops, which were seen as more commercially viable.

While promoting hops as the superior choice was common, the specific action taken by authorities regarding gruit involved taxation rather than outright bans or lack of control. This distinction underscores the regulatory landscape of the time and the shift from traditional brewing methods towards modern practices centered around hops.