What is Licorice?

Licorice treats have been around for thousands of years. It has been found to have been used by the pharaohs of Egypt and even by the Roman Emperors. The plant itself had been in use in ancient China, Egypt, Rome, India, and Greece. 

No candy shop can be complete without a variety of licorice. Licorice candy gets its name from the plant it is made from – licorice. The plant is a herb similar in flavour to anise. However, today the term ‘licorice’ is used to mean types of candies or lollies that may or may not contain any extract of licorice. 

Licorice allsorts are an assortment of licorice candies made from black licorice and sugar fondant that has been put together in different shapes. They have been available since the late 19th century and have become part of a sweet tradition many people love. 

What is it Made of?
When you go to a candy store, they will usually have traditional licorice along with the more contemporary licorice treats. Traditional licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin that makes the roots of the licorice plant taste sweet. The extracts from the roots of the plant, sugar, and a binder like starch or flour are mixed. There are times when molasses is added to enhance the flavour of licorice. 

Black Licorice
The black licorice you can find in any lolly shop refers to the dark colour, often black, a confection that carries an anise-like flavour. It is made from licorice plants, specifically the plant root extracts. However, some black licorice confections are flavoured using anise extracts instead of licorice root. 

Red Licorice
Red candies differ from black licorice mainly in colour and flavour. Red licorice usually contains cherry, cinnamon, strawberry, or raspberry flavourings. Most of the red licorice confectionery is made using a combination of artificial and natural flavourings. 

Other Varieties
Aside from black licorice-like licorice allsorts and red licorice, you can also find other varieties available in your neighbourhood candy store, like salted licorice and sour licorice. 

Knowing more about licorice can make it easier for you to choose the right confection when you visit your nearest candy shop. You can enjoy the delicious taste of licorice in different shapes, flavours, and sizes. Or you can try them all. 

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