When we think of licorice, the first things that come to mind are the candy, the sticks, the roots or, last but not least, the powdered licorice, used by many chefs to give a special and refined touch to the dishes. Yet few know that this aromatic root coming from licorice plant (Glycyrrhiza glabra) takes completely different tastes, textures and shapes depending on the various countries of the world. Let's go then to discover the different characteristics and uses of this delicious vegetable ingredient, among primates, curiosities and more or less sweet, savory, spicy, soft and hard variations.

The best liquorice in the world is Italian

Let's start with the brand of Amarelli liquorice, Calabrian excellence very famous both nationally and internationally and defined "the best in the world"From the Britannica Encyclopedia. This liquorice, the result of an ancient process of production, is made in the family Amarelli, based in Rossano in the province of Cosenza, starting from 1731. The flagship product is their characteristic and sweet gummy candy, with fun shapes and available in both classic and flavored with anise, orange, violet and lemon.
Since 2001 it is also possible to visit the Liquorice Museum, always based in Rossano.

The country with the highest consumption of liquorice is the Netherlands

In Holland everyone is literally crazy about licorice! Just think that a Dutchman on average consumes about two pounds of licorice a month, which is equivalent to 32 million kilos a year, and that one third of the licorice extract in Europe is produced in the Netherlands. There are also many varieties available, over eighty different types ranging from sweet and soft, the favorite in Italy, to the confetti and salty.

Finland is famous for its salty liquorice

In the Netherlands and in the European Nordic countries in general, salty liquorice is a real specialty. This particular quality, beloved by locals but often not appreciated or detested by foreigners, is of Finnish origin and is said salmiakki. The salty and pungent taste of these sweets does not derive in reality from a high salt content, but from the presence of ammonium chloride, in addition to the extract from the licorice root but also to sugar and starch (sometimes replaced by gum arabic). Particularly famous is a vintage Helsinki kiosk entirely dedicated to salmiakki, with as many as 91 varieties of licorice-flavored candies.

Red licorice … is licorice-free

This specialty, well known in the United States but widespread and appreciated in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands and Central Europe, despite its name, it does not contain the root of licorice but it only takes the form of long tube or string candies. Not by chance, in some of these countries, the classical one is indicated by the name black licorice, to distinguish it from varieties that are not flavored with liquorice extract. Red licorice, sweet, soft and chewy, instead it is made with wheat, sugar, corn syrup and with natural and artificial flavors of strawberry or cherry or raspberry.

Licorice drinks in Arab countries

In Arab countries, and in particular in Egypt and Syria, it is very popular erk-sous, a drink produced from the licorice root. In these countries erk-sous is considered an excellent natural remedy for constipation, cough, sore throat and to strengthen the immune and digestive system. This dark brown drink, due to the fermentation of water with sodium carbonate, has a slightly sweet and bitter taste, and is refreshing and refreshing. There are many families who prepare the erk-sous at home, but, especially in summer, it is easy to come across drink vendors selling it on the street or in the markets.

The Japanese hate licorice

While in the rest of the world rages every form and taste of licorice, Japan strongly rejects that for them is an unusual flavor, too distant from those of their traditional cuisine. The other reason why the taste of licorice is so unpleasant is that the licorice root is used in traditional Asian medicines, and therefore associated with something curative.

The spectacular record liquorice

The Guinness Book of World Records concerning liquorice candies could not be missing. The primacy of the cord of longest liquorice in the world dates back to 2012, when in Sweden at Lakritsfabriken, thanks to the collaboration with the candy store Scandi Candy in Vellinge (Skåne), a licorice was created long 519 mether and heavy 62 pounds; twelve people participated in the making of this giant candy, working for 3 hours and 14 minutes. There largest liquorice in the world it was instead made in 2016 by the most famous brand in New Zealand, the RJ's Licorice. The gigantic lime green, black and white candy was 1 meter wide, 70 centimeters high and weighing 1.105.5 kilograms.