Liquorice is the British English spelling of the American English word licorice. It is candy that is made from the root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant. Before becoming a popular candy, licorice was used medicinally to treat numerous health issues. The black licorice that is often enjoyed today as a sweet treat has some surprising health benefits worth taking note of.
Health Benefits of Black Licorice
When eaten in moderation, black licorice can boost weight loss, ease menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, and aid in digestion. It can help reduce reflux, aid in the treatment of peptic ulcers, and assist in relieving upper respiratory conditions. Licorice may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer. It can also help protect against cavities.
Australian Liquorice Candy
Wheat flour, molasses, licorice extract, and aniseed are used to make Australian liquorice candy. The soft-textured candy has a slightly smoky flavor that distinguishes it from other types of licorice candy. Unlike regular licorice candy that is typically long and slender, the Australian type of liquorice candy comes in thick, solid pieces.
Flavored Licorice
Licorice candies come in a variety of colors and flavors. Red licorice and strawberry licorice candy don’t have licorice as an ingredient. Black licorice candy made in the United States typically doesn’t contain the root extract glycyrrhizin. Instead, anise oil is used to give the candy a licorice flavor. Licorice candies made outside the United States usually use licorice root extract as well as anise oil to flavor their licorice candy.
Interesting Facts
Licorice is more popular in the Netherlands than in any other area of the world. Supposedly, in 1899 a happy accident occurred when a salesman dropped a tray filled with samples of assorted candies and triggered the idea of creating a mixed assortment of licorice candies. Licorice allsorts became popular with kids and adults and remain a favorite nostalgic and holiday treat today. Red licorice, strawberry licorice strings or laces, and black licorice candy are popular Halloween candies.
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