Updated on November 11th, 2022
If you’re wondering what licorice tastes like, you’ve come to the right place. It’s a sweet herb native to southern Europe and parts of Asia. It contains a natural sweetener similar to sucrose called glycyrrhizin. This substance is very stable at high temperatures and is used as a sweetener in foods. The root of licorice is commonly chewed for its savory and sour taste and its breath-freshening effects.
Licorice is often sold in candies in red or black varieties, and black licorice is made from the extract of the licorice plant. Red licks do not contain any liqueur but are usually fruit-flavored. The popular brand name of licorice candy is Twizzlers, but the candy is not labeled as licorice and is actually known as twists.
What is Licorice?
Licorice is a plant that can be found in Europe and Asia. Glycyrrhizin is found in licorice roots and can cause side effects if consumed in large amounts.
There are several different types of licorice. Anise hyssop is commonly used in cooking and is used in cooking in many countries. Fennel and tarragon have an anise flavor, but the flavor of anise differs from those in Europe. Moreover, anise hyssop leaves are an alternative to the seeds.
There are many ways to consume licorice. It is commonly used in various culinary and drinks in Dutch cuisine and other European countries. The flavor is similar to anise, one of the world’s most popular flavors. Depending on the culture, you may find it appealing to eat. It can be sweet and sour. You can find it in candy shops, restaurants, and grocery stores.
What does Licorice Taste Like?
Licorice root has a sweet flavor with a slight woody undertone. Licorice root is very different from what is commonly sold as licorice flavor due to adding extra ingredients during the manufacturing process.
Licorice has a woody, cinnamon-like flavor at its most basic level. So it’s sweet, woody, and floral, with a hint of bitterness beneath it all. Licorice is naturally sweet, and quickly adding any sugar or sweetener makes it intolerable. Although the flavor of licorice is controversial, some studies suggest that anethole, a natural compound in fennel, is responsible for the bitter taste of licorice. In addition to its pungent flavor, glycyrrhizin is the most potent component of licorice. It is used to treat various health conditions, such as digestive disorders.
Commercial Licorice Flavor vs. Licorice Root
Natural licorice flavor derived from licorice root differs significantly from licorice flavor found in candy due to adding aniseed oil to commercial licorice flavor. Because aniseed has a strong flavor that can be off-putting for some people, this is how most people taste the black candy.
So, why doesn’t black candy taste like genuine licorice? Because pure licorice extract is difficult to come by, producers use aniseed oil to restore flavor.
Originally, people used dried, cleaned licorice roots as candy. A piece of licorice root could be chewed all day and still be sweet and flavorful. Then came the precursors to Twizzlers and Red vine, which attempted to be true candy-versions of licorice root. On the other hand, Pure licorice extract was prohibitively expensive and, in high doses, can cause various health problems.
As a result, they decided to add some aniseed oil to the mix. The flavor of aniseed oil is extremely strong, and it easily overpowers the licorice root extract. Due to this shift, people became accustomed to less licorice and more aniseed in candy.
How did Licorice get From East to West in the First Place?
Returning crusaders were responsible for bringing licorice from the Middle East to Europe, where it became prized for its medicinal properties. “People would use licorice for pretty much anything,” Kimmerle says. Licorice was first brought to England by Dominican monks who grew it in the gardens of their Yorkshire priory to treat stomach problems and coughs; it later became a popular chest congestion remedy throughout England and Northern Europe.
George Dunhill, a pharmacist in Pontefract, Yorkshire, was the first to add a little sugar to the medicinal licorice, and this is how people began to eat it like candy. The Pontefract Cake was England’s first foray into the treat category. From there, the country developed its own licorice style, the most famous of which is Liquorice allsorts, a mix of firmer licorice candies in various flavors and colors.
What Can you do With Licorice Root?
Licorice root can be consumed as tea or simply chewed after a meal. Licorice root tea can help with throat and digestive problems, but it should be consumed in moderation. Too much licorice root (more than a cup per day for several weeks) can cause health problems.
Chewing on licorice sticks is a great way to refresh your palate after a meal and remove strong odors from the mouth, as long as they’re the real deal (not candy).
Licorice is a sweet, earthy, and tobacco-like root that can be used in confectionery and cooking. It is a common ingredient in liquors, including Absinthe and Ouzo. Its unique flavor is so distinct that people with allergies should seek medical attention before using it. It is also popular as a snack for hummingbirds and butterflies.
What is the Process of Making Licorice Candy?
It all starts with the licorice root, which in its dried form resembles a common twig. “We make extracts from this root,” Bülow says, “and that’s the real taste of licorice.” While you want high-quality root that has been freshly dried and has a good flavor, you also need starch (in Bülow’s case, rice flour) and a sweetener (he uses molasses, which has a wide range of flavors depending on where it comes from). Bülow explains, “We mix the ingredients in a 100-kilo tank and heat it up.” “We extrude it into long ropes and cut them after forcing it through a pump.” His company also makes licorice the old-fashioned way, boiling it for four hours in an open vat and then reducing it like a sauce before hand-stretching it. “This gives the licorice a distinct flavor, but it also gives it a distinct texture,” says Bülow.
Is there a Connection Between Red and Black Licorice?
Between black and red licorice, there is no relationship. Although the names may appear the same, red licorice is not the same as true licorice. Red licorice is a candy made with various flavors, including strawberry, cinnamon, and raspberry.
On the other hand, black licorice candy is true licorice, with flavorings derived primarily from the licorice root. On the other hand, Candy manufacturers have chosen to use anise seeds in producing these candies because they have similar flavorings.
When consumed in large quantities, black licorice has some side effects, so you might want to cut back on how much you eat. Toxic effects can occur if you consume too much black licorice. When consumed in large amounts, it raises blood pressure, which is dangerous, especially for pregnant women.
Is Anise Present in Licorice?
Because they are two different plants, the licorice plant would not contain anise. The same is true in the opposite direction, and the anise plant does not contain licorice. Anise or aniseed is frequently found in licorice candies. Even though the flavors of licorice and anise are very similar, they are not the same.
However, many manufacturers of licorice candies use anise or aniseed as a flavoring because the two have similar tastes. The flavor similarities are due to a compound known as anethole. This flavor is found in anise, licorice, and fennel, warm and sweet. One of the reasons why anise is so commonly used instead of licorice is that licorice can have negative health effects such as affecting blood pressure and causing digestive problems.
Is there a Safe Amount of Licorice?
You need to be cautious of the long-term use of licorice. Don’t take more than 2 ounces (57 grams) per day if you’re taking it for health reasons.
It’s best to keep your intake under 30 mg daily for safety.
If you have a history of heart problems but still want the digestive benefits, look for a product called DGL, licorice root without the potentially harmful glycyrrhizin. However, you should still stick to a 5-gram daily limit.
Does Licorice Help with Menopause or Menstrual Symptoms?
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, licorice root has been studied in women with menstrual cramps.
It’s also thought to help with menopause symptoms, including hot flashes.
Phytoestrogens are found in licorice, which are plant-based compounds that have estrogen-like effects on the body. While some evidence of their benefits exists, it is still unknown how effective these compounds in licorice root will alleviate symptoms.
In one study, 90 women with hot flashes were studied in 2012. According to the authors, a daily 330-milligram dose of licorice root provided some modest relief compared to a placebo. Symptoms returned after treatment was stopped.
Is Licorice Safe During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, consuming lots of licorice — specifically glycyrrhizin — may hurt your baby’s brain development.
Children born to mothers who consumed large amounts of glycyrrhizin-containing licorice products during pregnancy were more likely to develop brain disorders later in life.
As a result, pregnant women should avoid taking licorice supplements and limit their licorice intake in foods and beverages.
Children and breastfeeding women should also avoid licorice products due to a lack of research.
How to Use Licorice?
It is used in cooking, but it has a strong taste. In addition to its sweetness, licorice also has an intense flavor that is not recommended for people with high blood pressure. It is similar to celery and is also considered a food additive. If you’re curious about what licorice tastes like, try it. If you’re unsure, consult a physician. The herb has several uses, and it is great for your health.
If you’re looking for a sweet, earthy flavor, you should try salmiakki, a Finnish confection with a distinct tobacco flavor. Its texture is similar to celery, and its flavor is reminiscent of mint and ginger. Its medicinal properties are unknown, but licorice is a good choice for those who enjoy eating a spicy treat. However, you should be aware of possible side effects when consuming licorice.
Conclusion
There are three kinds of licorice: black, white, and salty. While it can be described in several ways, it is not easy to describe. It’s a bit hard to describe, but it’s worth trying. If you’re unsure what licorice is, you can learn more about the plant by clicking on the link below. It’s a delicious sweet that is very hard to resist.
Anis del Toro is a separate herb, but is similar to licorice. It’s a common spice and seasoning in the Mediterranean. Aside from licorice, fennel is a herb that tastes like licorice. It’s used in Italian sausage and is an essential part of the Spanish diet. It has an aromatic quality that makes it a great choice for cooking.
