As we already know, one of the first times the divine spice cinnamon was introduced to the English readers was at the beginning of 13th century in the famous The Chronicle of Britain, in a sweet combination with ginger and licorice. That written record appears to also be the first one to introduce the word liquorice.
Liquorice (the common British spelling) or licorice (American) has a rich history and throughout the years has been utilized as a medical treatment, spice, key ingredient of sweet confections and a simple chewing treat.
An interesting fact, not known by many, is that a significant part of global liquorice production is sold to the tobacco industry to be used as a flavoring and moistening agent in the manufacturing of tobacco products. Other less well-known facts are that the liquorice plant is officially a weed, and, liquorice is a powerful drug that can cause —serious health problems if taken in excessive amounts for long periods of time.
But in moderate quantities, it has many health benefits. Liquorice relieves ulcer pain and stomach acids, can be used to fight heartburn, is especially useful in fighting bronchitis and has a positive effect on the adrenal glands.
Liquorice root is available in liquid, powdered, dry and peeled form, and is also used in many soft and brewing drinks. The root of this legume plant is also often referred to as sweetroot, and that makes sense considering its etymology: the Ancient Greek word glukurrhiza literally translates as “sweet root.”
Liquorice candy
Modern liquorice candy dates back to 17th century Holland when Dutch sailors spread it to most other European nations where it quickly gained popularity. In England, it was popularized by Dominican friars and the production of candy began at Pontefract Abbey in Yorkshire.
Liquorice was praised for its sweetness, as our next written record proves. In the famous Middle English epic King Alisaunder (which recounts the story of Alexander the Great) the author compares his love’s sweetness to that of milk and liquorice: “His love is al so swete, y-wis, So ever is mylk or licoris!”
The liquorice plants that grow around Spain are considered to have the sweetest roots. This explains why the term Spanish liquorice has been traditionally used to refer to root sticks sweet enough to be sucked in a raw state. It appears, however, that British had a rather unfavorable opinion of this sweet variant of the plant. Alfred Tennyson pointed out in his play Queen Mary (1875) that an “English carrot is better than Spanish liquorice.”
And guess that some of our readers, especially those who do not enjoy anise flavour, would willingly agree to chew on a raw carrot instead of a liquorice treat.
