Liquorice—just the word alone can spark a variety of reactions. Some people love it, others avoid it like the plague, and a few have a soft spot for its quirky, bittersweet taste. But whether you’re a liquorice lover or a sceptic, there’s no denying that this candy has a fascinating history, a unique flavour profile, and a fan base that spans the globe.
A Brief History of Liquorice: From Medicine to Treat
Liquorice has roots (pun intended) that go back thousands of years. The liquorice plant, Glycyrrhiza glabra, was prized in ancient civilisations for its medicinal properties. The Egyptians, known for their sweet tooth, mixed liquorice root with herbs to create a sweet drink they believed had healing powers. The Greeks and Romans also valued liquorice for its ability to soothe coughs and digestive issues. It wasn’t until much later that liquorice transitioned from the pharmacy to the candy shop.
The liquorice we know today comes in two main forms: black liquorice, which is flavoured with the extract from the liquorice root, and red liquorice, which, despite its name, often doesn’t contain any actual liquorice. Red liquorice is more of a fruit-flavoured candy, with cherry or strawberry being the most popular flavours. But let’s be honest, when most people think of liquorice, they’re imagining that inky, black confection that’s as polarising as pineapple on pizza.
The Flavour Profile: Love It or Hate It
Liquorice is the Marmite of the candy world—you either love it or you hate it. The taste of black liquorice is complex and multi-layered. It’s sweet, but not in the same way as a piece of milk chocolate or a gummy bear. There’s an underlying bitterness that gives it an adult sophistication, and a hint of saltiness that keeps things interesting. Some brands even add aniseed, which enhances the herbal notes and gives it that signature liquorice punch.
One of the most intriguing variations of liquorice comes from Scandinavia, where they take their liquorice very seriously. Enter salty liquorice, or salmiakki. This is not for the faint of heart. Salty liquorice combines the sweetness of traditional liquorice with ammonium chloride, which gives it a mouth-puckering salty, almost savoury flavour. If you’ve never tried it, imagine eating candy while simultaneously sipping on a salty broth—yeah, it’s a wild ride!
Liquorice Around the World: A Global Affair
Liquorice might have started as a Mediterranean remedy, but it’s become a global phenomenon. In the Netherlands, liquorice is a national obsession. The Dutch consume more liquorice per capita than any other country in the world, and you’ll find it in every shape, size, and flavour imaginable—from sweet to salty to downright bizarre.
In Italy, liquorice is often enjoyed as a digestive aid after meals, sometimes in the form of a strong, black liquorice liqueur known as liquore alla liquirizia. The Finnish have their salmiakki, while the Australians are fans of soft, chewy liquorice twists in a rainbow of colours. Even in the United States, where liquorice is often seen as an acquired taste, there’s a growing appreciation for gourmet liquorice brands that offer everything from classic black liquorice to innovative flavours like mango and chili.
Fun Facts: Did You Know?
- Liquorice root is 50 times sweeter than sugar! But unlike sugar, it has virtually no calories.
- Roman soldiers reportedly chewed on liquorice root to keep their thirst at bay during long marches.
- Salty liquorice is sometimes called "the black gold of Scandinavia."
- In Japan, you can find liquorice-flavoured Kit Kats—because of course you can!
How to Enjoy Liquorice
We stock a variety of liquorice, including the classic Allsorts. Our 400g pouch is the perfect pick 'n' mix for liquorice lovers and even better, it is included in our 3 pouches for £15 deal!
Conclusion: Embrace the Liquorice Life
Liquorice isn’t just candy—it’s a cultural experience, a trip through time, and a flavour adventure all rolled into one. Whether you love it or hate it, liquorice is here to stay, delighting taste buds and sparking debates around the world. So, next time you reach for a sweet treat, consider giving liquorice another try—you might just discover a new favourite!