April 12th is National Licorice Day, so let’s look at some fun facts this treat that is enjoyed around the world:
- National Licorice Day was started in 2004 by Licorice International and the National Confectioners Association.
- The sweet flavor of licorice comes from the roots of the Glycyrrhiza glabra This plant is a member of the bean family Fabaceae.
- The word licorice stems from the Greek for “sweet root”. Licorice contains glycyrrhizin which is up to 50 times sweeter than sugar.
- Licorice has been used medicinally for many years. King Tut had a lot of it in his tomb in 1323BC!
- The Netherlands has the highest per capita consumption of licorice candy in the world.
- Red licorice is just a cherry flavored candy that is made into a string.
- Salty licorice started off as a cough remedy. Many liked the taste and it became very popular in Northern Europe and Scandinavian countries.
- Many herbal teas use licorice root as a flavoring, and for health benefits. Some use it for infection protection, to reduce acid reflux, and for an upset stomach.
- Aniseed oil is often used as a substitute for licorice flavor. The taste is similar but it does not offer the same health benefits.
- Licorice extracts contain a compound called carbenoxolone, which may help slow the aging of the brain.
- To celebrate the day, you may want to try a new type of licorice. May we suggest you try sweet Finnish licorice, black licorice caramels, licorice chalk, or raspberry licorice.
If you’re going to buy a pack of gum, don’t forget about Black Jack Chewing Gum. It was brought back to our markets in 2019!
