Liquorice allsorts

Liquorice Allsorts are a variety of liquorice candies sold in a mixture. These candies were first produced in Sheffield, England, by Bassett's in 1899. Liquorice Allsorts consist of a variety of liquorice sweets sold together, making each bag of Allsorts a unique assortment of flavours and textures.

History

Liquorice Allsorts were allegedly created by accident in 1899 when a Bassett's sales representative dropped a tray of samples he was showing to a client, mixing up the various sweets. The client liked the look of the mixed up candies and placed an order for them. This story, however, is likely apocryphal as a similar sweet was produced by the Danish company Toms in 1897.

Composition

Liquorice Allsorts are composed of a variety of sweets, each with its own unique flavour and texture. The assortment typically includes:

• Liquorice sandwiches - two layers of liquorice with a brightly coloured, gelatine-based layer in between.
• Coconut rolls - liquorice surrounded by a layer of pink or yellow coconut paste.
• Bertie's jelly buttons - small, round or cylindrical sweets with a sugar coating, named after the Bassett's company mascot, Bertie Bassett.
• Liquorice tubes filled with a soft fondant - cylindrical pieces of liquorice filled with a white, pink or blue fondant.

Popularity

Liquorice Allsorts have been popular in the UK for over a century, and have also gained a following in other countries, particularly in Canada, where they are a common Christmas treat. They are also popular in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

In popular culture

Liquorice Allsorts have been featured in various forms of media and popular culture. The Bassett's company mascot, Bertie Bassett, is a well-known figure in the UK. He is an anthropomorphic version of a Liquorice Allsort and has been the face of the brand since 1929.

See also

• Bassett's
• Liquorice (confectionery)
• Candy