Liquorice (confectionery)

Liquorice (or licorice) is a type of confectionery that is flavoured with the extract of the roots of the liquorice plant. It is a popular sweet treat in many countries, and is often used in a variety of forms such as candies, soft drinks, and even medicines due to its distinct sweet and slightly bitter flavour.

History

The use of liquorice as a flavouring agent dates back to ancient times. The liquorice plant, a legume native to Southern Europe and parts of Asia, has been used for its medicinal properties by various cultures including the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The sweet flavour of liquorice comes from a compound called glycyrrhizin, which is 30 to 50 times sweeter than sugar.

Production

The production of liquorice confectionery involves several steps. First, the roots of the liquorice plant are harvested and dried. The dried roots are then boiled to extract the sweet-tasting compound, glycyrrhizin. This extract is then combined with sugar and other ingredients to create the final product. Some liquorice confectioneries also include additional flavours such as aniseed or mint.

Varieties

There are many different varieties of liquorice confectionery available worldwide. In the United Kingdom, liquorice is often combined with other flavours to create sweets such as liquorice allsorts and Pontefract cakes. In the United States, red liquorice is a popular variant, despite not containing any actual liquorice extract. In Nordic countries, salty liquorice or 'salmiakki' is a popular treat.

Health effects

While liquorice is enjoyed by many as a sweet treat, it is also known to have various health effects. Glycyrrhizin, the sweet compound in liquorice, can cause a decrease in potassium levels in the body when consumed in large amounts, leading to high blood pressure and other health problems. Therefore, it is recommended to consume liquorice in moderation.

See also

• List of candies
• List of desserts