Licorice is a spice that often divides opinion—its distinct, sweet and slightly herbal flavour can be love-it-or-hate-it for many people. However, for those who enjoy it, licorice is a fascinating spice with a long history and many uses in both food and medicine.
What Is Licorice?
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) comes from the root of a plant in the legume family, native to Europe and parts of Asia. The root is dried and processed to extract a sweet, earthy flavour that has been prized for thousands of years. While the licorice candy most people know is made from sugar and artificial flavouring, real licorice is much more complex and has a bittersweet, earthy taste with hints of anise, fennel, and mint.
A Rich History
Licorice has been used for over 4,000 years. Ancient Egyptians used it for its medicinal properties, and it was also popular in traditional Chinese medicine. The Greeks and Romans enjoyed it as a sweet treat and medicinal tonic, often drinking licorice-flavoured beverages. It wasn’t until the 16th century that the plant was widely cultivated in Europe, where it eventually found its way into modern candy-making.
How Does Licorice Taste?
The flavour of licorice is unmistakable—its sweetness comes from glycyrrhizin, a compound in the root, which is much sweeter than sugar. However, it also has a slightly bitter and earthy aftertaste, making it quite polarising. If you’ve ever had a traditional licorice candy, you’ve tasted the raw form of the spice. But it’s also used in more subtle ways in cooking and medicine.
Culinary Uses
Licorice isn’t just for candy—it can be used in many creative ways in the kitchen:
- Confections: Traditional licorice candy is made by combining the root extract with sugar, flour, and molasses.
- Beverages: Licorice root is often used to flavour herbal teas, particularly in traditional medicine. It can also be used in making liqueurs such as the Dutch drop or Italian liquirizia.
- Savory Dishes: In some cuisines, licorice is used in small quantities to complement rich meats, such as lamb or duck. Its sweetness balances out the strong, savoury flavours.
- Baking: Add ground licorice to cookies, cakes, and muffins for a unique twist on traditional baked goods.
- Ice Cream: Licorice-flavoured ice cream is a unique and popular treat in some countries.
Health Benefits of Licorice
Licorice has long been valued for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional herbal medicine:
- Digestive Aid: Licorice can soothe digestive discomfort, such as heartburn, indigestion, and bloating.
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce swelling and irritation in the body.
- Immune Support: Licorice is believed to boost the immune system and help the body fight infections.
- Sore Throat Relief: Drinking licorice root tea can help soothe a sore throat or cough.
- Adrenal Support: Licorice has been used in traditional medicine to help support the adrenal glands, particularly in times of stress.
How to Use Licorice in Cooking
- Licorice Tea: Brew licorice root with water and honey to create a soothing, sweet tea.
- Extract: Licorice root extract can be added to liqueurs or syrups for flavouring.
- Ground Licorice: Use ground licorice root powder in spice blends or baked goods for a sweet, herbal flavour.
- Infusions: You can infuse licorice root into broths, soups, or sauces to add a rich, unique taste.
Fun Fact: Licorice and its Role in Candy
Despite its name, “licorice” candy doesn’t always contain actual licorice root. In many modern candies, artificial flavourings are used to mimic the licorice taste. However, some traditional licorice candies, such as salmiakki from Finland, use real licorice extract for an authentic flavour.
Precautions
While licorice can be beneficial, it’s important to use it in moderation, especially for people with high blood pressure or heart conditions, as it can increase blood pressure and reduce potassium levels. Pregnant women should also avoid consuming large amounts of licorice. Always consult a healthcare provider before using licorice for medicinal purposes.
Conclusion
Licorice may not be to everyone’s taste, but for those who appreciate its complex, sweet, and earthy flavour, it’s a spice with endless possibilities. Whether you’re adding it to your favourite tea, experimenting with new recipes, or exploring its health benefits, licorice is a spice that has stood the test of time.
Have you ever tried cooking with licorice? Let us know your favourite ways to use it in the kitchen!
