Liquorice knowledge
The black delicacy – history, effects and versatility
Licorice polarizes opinions. For some, it's an absolute luxury, for others, a culinary nightmare. But one thing is certain: this deep-black delicacy has a loyal fan base worldwide – in countless forms, flavors, and surprising variations.
🌿 Origin: Liquorice – the root of pleasure
Licorice is made from licorice root extract. This extract is thickened and then mixed with ingredients such as sugar syrup, flour, gelling agents, and flavorings – thus creating the candy we know.
Historically, licorice was initially used medicinally. British pharmacist George Dunhill is said to have first come up with the idea of combining licorice root with sugar in 1760—and thus the licorice tin was born.
📜 Of Pharaohs and Sayings
The ancient Egyptians were already aware of the beneficial effects of licorice root – they used it for throat and stomach problems. According to legend, Pharaoh Tutankhamun even had himself buried with licorice root.
The German saying “Süßholz raspeln” (to rasp licorice) also has its origins here: in the past, those who chewed licorice got a softer voice – ideal for flattering.
🌍 Liquorice worldwide – a culinary triumph
In Scandinavia and the Netherlands, licorice is no longer just considered a sweet, but a true delicacy . Whether as salty drops, in chocolate, as a fine powder for cooking, or even as a liqueur—there are no limits to the imagination.
Did you know?
In the Netherlands, annual licorice consumption is around 2 kilograms per person – a total of over 33,000 tons per year!
💡 Liquorice can do more
Liquorice is not only delicious – it also has surprising properties:
- Glycyrrhizin, a natural ingredient, has anti-inflammatory properties and is used in medicine and cosmetics .
- valued for its soothing effect on the throat and stomach.
- Can reduce testosterone secretion – helpful for hormonal acne.
🍽️ Liquorice with a twist
In Berlin, a creative butcher has taken his love of the dark candy to the extreme – with a specially created licorice currywurst ! An example of how versatile and surprising licorice can be.
Conclusion
Licorice is much more than a sweet treat—it's culture, history, a medicinal plant, and a gourmet ingredient all rolled into one. Whether sweet, salty, or savory, those who indulge in it will discover a world full of surprising flavor experiences.
